Review - The Victoria Room
Sunday evenings can turn a little bleak, what with the horrors of Monday morning encroaching. Low key clubbing with phat lounge style beats, tasty treats and jugs of Sangria is the formula to help you forget. It strikes me that as this is my sixth visit, I can conclusively say this venue sets out to make sure your experience is positive. (Check out one earlier visit HERE).
When I approached the bar, the dazzling smile and palpable warmth of tattooed and attractive Kelly (think Shane from the L-Word) set my night onto the right track. Guess what? She makes cocktails too! A new sugar cane press had me choosing a nicely balanced Sugar Daddy ($19) garnished with a chewable cane. It’s The low light and intimacy created through bric-a-brac still charms me. The food they serve suits the space - it’s interesting, but you’re here for more than just a menu.
Proscuitto di Panna, aged Parmesan Reggiano and Grissini Sticks ($15) are simplicity personified. Kudos to the chef who left it at just adding crisp, house-made grissini sticks.
The Tasting Plate ($31/2 people) represents good value and a fair amount of work. It avoids fried foods, presents vegetarian frittata in an innovative and tasty way, and includes their great Kingfish Carpaccio; it even wins on a moist, tasty chicken skewer.
A sharing bowl of Calamari Fritti ($14) with preserved lemon aioli will last you and a friend about as long as a litre of their well thought out Red Sangria ($30/L).
Chorizo ($16) is mild and on the sweeter side, but not without charm.
Vegetarian diners are well catered for, and the dishes do not run second fiddle to the meatier options. Sweet Spanish Piquillo Peppers with Goats Cheese and Basil ($18) are a good example. I love fried herbs too, they have an amazing subtlety.
The night I went was called Supper & Sounds, and this menu is available every Sunday after six o'clock. You also get a lounge DJ who impressed amongst one of Sydney’s sexiest crowds (or was it just the evening I went?) What work? I giggled as I traipsed down the stairs, sated and tipsy.
The Victoria Room
Level 1, 235 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst
Ph: (02) 9357 4488
