Style After Dark – South Melbourne Market

Corner Cecil and Coventry streets. (03) 9209 6295.
I arrived at the opening night of Style After Dark pining for paella. Dreaming about this Valencian delight helped me get through the working day and Simply Spanish’s version did not disappoint.

The Paella Valencia, cooked in front of diner’s at the Cecil Street restaurant included chorizo sausage, diced boneless chicken, calamari and mussels. It could have been a little more sloppy but at $12.5 I couldn’t complain, considering the hearty serving and friendly service. We washed the paella down with two Spanish reds ($7.5 a glass) and dinner bill came to $42 for two. Brilliant.

Our bellies full, we perused the other stalls, sharing a Nutella crepe with walnuts ($7.5) and indulging in some wine tasting. As far as other food goes, there was noodles, dim sum and pizza on offer but when compared with Queen Vic’s night markets, the variety was seriously lacking.

Hopefully as the weather gets warmer the heat will turn up at the the night market. The atmosphere was a little flat when we visited. The band was tucked away inside so we couldn’t hear them strolling along Cecil street. In all I had a great night and if you’re in the area I’d recommend Style After Dark as a cheap and cheerful night out. But I would not trek too far to visit. Style After Dark’s spring session will run every Thursday from 5.30pm to 9.30pm until November 26.

Website: www.southmelbournemarket.com.au/night_market