Gastronomous Anonymous

Caught up with an ex colleague at Bar Luca for lunch. It’s just down the street from work and a great little café / bar. I can’t believe that I have not been here in such a long time, considering how close it is from work.

S and I wanted something quick, and nothing too fancy. We were both short of time, due to work commitments (work always gets in the way). We were the only girls in there that day, I assumed, the guys have timed their lunch hour to watch the cricket. They were watching the ashes with other work colleagues whilst drinking beer.

The food here is your typical gastro pub food, with salads, burgers, and the like. I wanted something ‘healthy’ but couldn’t go pass the salt and pepper squid salad with mixed leaves, julienne vegetables and chili soy dressing. I have been craving for good salt and pepper squid all week but did not manage to satisfy the cravings until then! The squid was lightly crumbed, and then deep fried. They were absolutely delicious, soft, tender and a little zesty from the lemon. I loved the chili soy dressing, it was different to other dressing, as usually it is served with aioli. The salad was light and made the dish slightly more ‘healthier’. It certainly did satisfy my cravings.

S opted for the pumpkin and haloumi salad with baby spinach, semi dried tomato and balsamic dressing. This looked good! I didn’t have any of it, however, the haloumi was pan fried, and S did say that it was a little on the ‘rich’ side. Judging by how she devoured this, I can safely assume that S enjoyed it. Either that or she was absolutely ravenous.

I wanted to stay at the pub all afternoon drinking beer, chatting and watch the cricket – unfortunately, reports won’t write itself, so had to adjourn back. Bar Luca has a really relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and great food. Apparently you can have functions there, Christmas parties, hen’s night or simply just catching up with friends for dinner. They have a $12 steak night from Tuesday – Friday from 6 – 9pm, sirloin steak with chips and salad with complimentary VB or Carlton Draught beer or glass of Chardonnay or Shiraz – not a bad deal.

It can get very suit-y at night though, especially with after work drinks on Friday night. They have a great Martini menu – so if you love Martini’s then this is the place for you. They are also very dedicated to sports and when there’s an important game, race or event, you can guarantee it will be on the big screen.

I always enjoy my catch ups with S, I don’t see her as often as I’d like too but when we do – it is always very nice!

GA’s ratings: 7.5 / 10

Bar Luca

52 Phillip Street

Sydney 2000

Ph: +61 2 9247 9700