Pagliacci's

This week I'd been feeling rather off-colour and was super disappointed that I had barely an appetite to speak of, and yet one of the best excuses to have a totally self-indulgent food day: my birthday. So when Thursday came around and even cups of green tea were making my tummy grumble (that's grumble not rumble) I was pouting and feeling very sorry for myself.  Luckily I pulled my socks up, crossed my fingers, and threw in a hefty dose of pharmaceuticals and by evening was feeling vaguely human, at least well enough to consider taking an evening walk.   Luckily for us it was crisp but not windy or cold and so we could wander the fairly empty streets of Victoria until my stomach latched onto something that it might be able to ingest without an adverse reaction.  My first thoughts were for something warm and comforting and relatively safe and so Italian seemed like a good bet.  A local favourite, Zambris, has just opened in a swanky new location just around the corner and I was keen to try it out, but Wil felt it was a little upmarket for our moods, and most definitely our dress this evening. 

Sofia

We continued walking and decided to try Pagliacci's, which almost every Victorian raves about. It's in a very tiny little space, so you've got to keep your elbows in or you'll end up with your neighbour's marinara all down your cardigan, but it's warm and cosy and has a super comfortable atmosphere.  It's hugely popular so we were lucky to get a table, tucked in between young couples on first dates, older couples who seem like they've been there every week for their 30 plus years of the marriage, and groups of friends out for a celebration.  We also noticed several tables of lone diners which seemed a little odd at first, but once I'd tasted my meal I knew why - they came alone as there was no way they wanted to share!!

First up you are delivered a basket of freshly baked herb bread still warm from the oven. Most people I know say they'd go for this bread alone and I agree - it is divine! But you have stop quickly else you'll have no room for what's to follow.  At the server's suggestion I chose the Jackie Brown martini made with vanilla vodka, espresso and chocolate. It was delicious and the caffeine just what I needed to keep me upright during the meal.  Almost dangerously full on bread we skipped straight to the mains and both chose pasta dishes.  Wil went with The Big Easy which was chicken, shrimp & chorizo in a marinara based sauce and he fell in love. I know we'll be back to Pagliacci's soon but what I don't know is if Wil is going to be able to try anything else on the menu - he loved this so much!   I went for the half serving of the Sofia which was shrimp, crab and salmon in a creamy sauce over spinach fettuccine and scattered with pinenuts. It too was delicious and I think this size would be perfect for me on a good day, although if you order the full size you're bound to take some home for tomorrow's lunch.  Perfect size that is, if like me, you'd checked out the dessert menu on arrival and were saving space for sweet.

The Big Easy

I really had my heart set on either the Turtle or Carrot cakes, but when I was told that birthday people receive a free cheesecake I was sold and in moments a great, hulking piece of chocolate cheesecake with cream was on our table.  It was rich, decadent and super creamy - it almost defeated us both and we shared a piece! 

I totally understand now why Pagliacci's has a special place in the heart of every Victorian and I know it's going to be a regular on our rotation. Not only is the food fantastic and the atmosphere so inviting but the prices are super reasonable so it need not be saved for a special occasion. I know I say this a bunch, but if you're visiting Victoria make sure Pagliacci's in on your 'must eat here' list.