Food Wine Sleep

At 30 years of age, Joe Gamabcorta is going into his sixth year as the Head Chef of the multiple-award winning The Victoria Room in Darlinghurst, Sydney.

Joe has been with the venue since it's inception in 2003, and is singlehandedly responsible for every menu in that time. According to Joe, "It's a privilege to run a kitchen in this unique environment, where I know that my dishes can compliment the nonpareil d'cor and style of The Victoria Room".

Joe had his beginnings as a young boy in Mama's kitchen where he assisted with the preparation of the weekly Sunday lunch. This passion developed over the years and before long he was training at MG Garage under one of Australia's most lauded chefs, Yanni Kyritsis. Joe later held his first head chef position at Jones the Grocer before committing himself to establishing the restaurant in The Victoria Room.

Inspired by his Sicilian heritage, the Mediterranean influences from his apprenticeship years, and travels in the Middle East, Joe's dishes area fusion of spices and delicacies that are partial to many cuisines but are not limited to any one in particular. His menus offer a graceful balance of simple flavours that change with the seasons to allow for a produce driven carte du jour.

Many people would argue that you cannot be defined by your job, but as a chef, I find that so much of myself goes into my work that I can't be separated from it. I love what I do, and it is who I am says Joe.