Tropicana Caffe

227 Victoria St Darlinghurst 6am-10:30pm daily Menu: Italian-influenced casual dining Recommended Dishes: Pollo, Chicken Salad, Big Breakfast If you put a bag on my head and took me into the Tropicana, only removing it once inside, I could tell you within a matter of moments that we were in Darlinghurst. Maybe it’s the faint smell of grease in the air, maybe it’s the clientele, ranging from the grungy to the business-minded, or maybe it’s the large street front windows, opening out onto Victoria Street. Whatever the reason, Tropicana Caffe is inner city casual dining at its finest. Separating it from its competition is its absurdly long menu, and, most notably, its lack of pretention. The portions are generous, the service swift, and the atmosphere familiar. I chose the "Pollo", a toasted chicken sandwich with avocado, mayo, cheese and iceberg lettuce, and white bread. The order at the counter system is a touch chaotic, but fully fledged Tropicanites will tell you that's all part of the charm. I'm yet to be convinced. Of the 20 something cafes along Victoria St, it is easy to see how Tropicana has enjoyed the most longevity. Offering reasonably priced breakfasts, sandwiches, pastas and main meals, along with a selection of cakes and deserts, Tropicana has become an institution among inner city diners, and it is easy to see why. 30/09/2011