It’s a tough life sampling Sydney’s best eateries. Last week I was chock-a-block with reviews, so by the time my fourth outing in a row came around on Saturday night, I was a little bit dusty, to say the least. Luckily, this one was Bar Luca’s “Blame Fireball” launch party – and an all-you-can-eat burger fest was exactly what I needed.
Bar Luca has long been established as one of the go-to places for burgers in Sydney. And now, for a limited time only, they’ve teamed up with Fireball to create a gloriously greasy whisky-infused menu. We’re talking cocktails, burgers, sides, milkshakes, and desserts all slathered in cinnamon whisky – YUM!
Greeted with a Fireball shot upon arrival, we quickly understood that the Bar Luca team meant business. This was then closely followed by a Fire Starter cocktail (Fireball, lemon juice, maple & jalapeno syrup, ginger beer and an extra syringe full of Fireball for good measure). Then, as soon as we sat down, all the delights from the Blame Fireball menu started appearing in front of us – and this barrage of deliciousness didn’t stop for the next two hours.
First up was the Fireball Poutine – shoestring fries slathered in Fireball maple bacon jam, Fireball gravy and cheese curds. This twist on a classic Canadian dish, bathed in Canadian whisky – and on Canada Day no less – may just be the perfect hangover cure. Next came the Fire Wings and Fire Riblets. The Fireball & maple glazed chicken wings were a little sweet for my liking but the whisky-glazed BBQ pork riblets were done to perfection with the tender meat effortlessly falling off the bone. The final item on the sides menu was the deliciously spicy Fire Balls – jalapeno meatballs with a Fireball cream cheese dipping sauce. We’ll give you a moment to stop drooling shall we…?
Next up was the pièce de résistance – the Blame Fireball Burger. With Fireball braised brisket, Bar Luca’s classic beef patty, American cheese, maple bacon, candied jalapenos, poutine (yes, that means there are fries INSIDE the burger), and Fireball gravy all packed into a milk bun – this burger is practically a menu in itself. The brisket was tender and juicy, and the maple bacon was a delicious contrast to that classic whisky burn. It was rich, sweet, spicy, and salty – literally dripping with flavour. The only downside was that I was so stuffed from wolfing down the aforementioned sides that I couldn’t actually finish my burger. I’ve never been more disappointed in myself.
By the time the dessert – shoestring fries topped with Fireball ice cream and caramel sauce – rolled around we just couldn’t fit in any more food. I scooped a little bit of the ice cream off the top just to sample the flavour and it was indeed delicious. If you like your fries with a side of ice cream, it’s worth trying this one – but maybe avoid the poutine beforehand to make room!
If you love a hearty feed – it’s definitely worth checking out the Blame Fireball takeover at Bar Luca before the end of the month. Unsurprisingly, the burger is the highlight of the menu, although this is closely followed by the poutine. The cocktail is also worth a try but, be warned, it does pack a punch – especially when you add the extra fireball shot from the syringe!
Bar Luca: 52 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11 am – 9 pm, Saturday 5 pm – 9.30 pm
The “Blame Fireball” menu takeover is available from 1st to 31st July
