Firefly is one of my regular local spots, and that’s exactly why it’s taken me so long to write about it here. I often go for a glass (or two) of wine with some nibbles and the last thing on my mind is taking foodie photos. But after recently feasting on their banquet menu, I’m sharing all.

Firefly has been around for years and continues to be a firm favourite with those looking for an intimate gathering over a conversation worthy drinks menu. The wine list shows off many of Australia’s best drops, and also features a good sprinkle of French, Italian and Argentine wines. Good beers? Of course – the huge selection of ever-changing craft beers would keep even the biggest of beer buffs on their toes. They also offer cocktails galore, and with names like Twiggy’s Turkish Delight and Violet Eyes they’re sure to get you in the party mood.

Enough about the drinks – because Firefly isn’t just a bar – the team take their food very seriously too. On the sharing menu you’ll find around 20 plates priced from $8 to $24. Every type of meat is featured, alongside a few cheese and fish based dishes. There are plenty of veggie options too, like their famous zucchini fries, a low carb, highly addictive alternative to regular fries.

After dipping in and out of the menu a few times I finally decided to go the whole hog with the banquet. This time, with a low Winter sun in the background I couldn’t resist taking photos.

Firefly’s Sharing Banquet

The sharing banquet costs $45 per person and is largely gluten free. As if that wasn’t tempting enough they’re even happy to change out specific dishes to cater for any dietary requirements. The portions you see here were for two people – yes it’s a very hearty serving indeed……

Salt & pepper calamari – smoked paprika aioli

Grilled haloumi – watermelon, mint, toasted almonds (gf)

Canadian seared scallops – beets, almond purée, basil oil

Slow cooked pork belly – pear chutney, sauerkraut

Baked field mushrooms – Pedro Ximenez reduction, sheep’s feta

Pedro Ximenez braised beef cheeks – purée of cauliflower, thyme 

Lamb black strap – Jerusalem artichoke, buckwheat

Salad of roasted beetroot – sheep’s feta, walnut, mixed leaf

Every dish was fresh and packed with flavour, and the portion sizes were just right. My tops picks would have to be the slow cooked pork belly and the calamari, both of which were lighter than I expected. And I’m sure I’ll be back for the roasted beetroot salad, a great option for a healthy lunch. In fact every plate was returned to the kitchen empty, which unfortunately didn’t leave any room for me to try one of their ‘sweet endings’; next time maybe……

It’s so good to see Firefly still going strong, as others have come and gone, a sign in itself to the quality of their food, the well considered drinks menu and the consistently friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Contact

• fireflybar.com.au
• 24 Young Street, Neutral Bay, NSW 2089
• 02 9909 0193
• Open Monday to Thursday 5pm to 11.30pm, Friday to Sunday midday until late

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