Tropicana Caffe, Darlinghurst
Tropicana Caffe- 227 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW(Mon-Sun 5am-11pm)
Tropicana Caffe is big and noisy, and has no pretensions of being a quiet little intimate cafe to perhaps have a first date, or for a couple to enjoy a cosy breakfast or lunch after a hectic week. Tropicana Caffe has been a mainstay of Victoria Street, with a colourful history. Of course as a cafe, it is legendary having been the launching pad for the now world famous Tropfest, short film festival.
The crowd at Tropicana is almost a snapshot of the Australian population. Another vision comes to me about Tropicana, and this of a busy highway service centre cafe. It’s no slight against Tropicana, but the hustle bustle of wait staff running around with orders, 100 people enjoying each others company, and huge dining area gives it a feel like no other cafe I have been to recently.
It’s a late late lunch today, so with my cappuccino, I order a spaghetti bolognese. By the time I unpack my camera, my cappuccino arrives. I launch into the coffee, but it’s not going to leave a lasting memory. There’s nothing wrong with the coffee, but it sits middle of the road in terms of flavour and strength. It is competently made, it will not cause angst nor have coffee connoisseurs leaping for joy, a coffee that caters to the masses. There is no lingering bitterness, the milk temperature is just about there, but it just doesn’t have me excited to take another sip.
My spaghetti bolognese, is also average at best. The sweet tomato paste overpowers any other flavour. It’s hard to discern between pasta, sauce and meat. M has a Tepesca sandwich and for me it’s the highlight of the Tropicana Caffe experience. The spiciness of the italian sausage is balanced by sauerkraut and provolone cheese. A sandwich I will definitely remember, simple yet packed with flavour. I am also informed that the breakfasts here are fulfilling as well. There’s a myriad of choice when it comes to food and portion sizes are huge. Good value for money!
There is a ruthless efficiency about Tropicana, and is helped by the fact that you order and pay for your meals before sitting down. One tip, when you come in, look to the ceiling and you will see numbers, they are the table numbers. Pick out a number of an available table before you make your order. Meals arrived within 10 minutes, drinks with 5 minutes. Tables are cleaned up quickly and diners flow in and out. At 6pm on a Sunday evening, the place is still buzzing! It’s handy for late night revelers too as Tropicana Caffe opens up at 5am!
There’s an honesty about Tropicana, which I like, an efficiency in delivering decent food at a reasonable price in short period of time, perhaps, that along with its central location keeps it busy.
Recommendation : If you are starving after a late night out, and only 15 bucks left in the wallet, you will get a good meal at Tropicana. I am sure there are better options in the area if you are a dedicated coffee drinker.