IN mid-2017 Albury dining icon Cafe Victor closed its doors after 30 years.
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Owner and head chef Carlos Saliba hosted a seven-course Last Supper for restaurant faithful who appreciated his flavoursome Mediterranean fare made from scratch.
Now Saliba has started a new venture at St Ives Hotel in Wodonga, aptly named Victor Supper Club.
It's a nod to the founder of Cafe Victor, Vittorio Thomas, and the migrant spirit on the Border.
Lebanese-born Saliba said Victor Supper Club would offer quality Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a top lineup of entertainment.
"Victor was a migrant who liked good food and music; once he'd finished cooking for the night, he'd even sing in the restaurant!" he said.
Having migrated to Albury from Lebanon in 2003, Saliba and his brother Wassim studied commercial cookery before working at Cafe Victor.
Saliba said Victor Supper Club would be influenced by his passion for local produce and Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine know-how.
"My brother is only walking distance away," Saliba said.
"We want to collaborate and make Gateway Village a destination."
Saliba said he had been looking for the right premises for his new venture for months.
He said his strong passion for local produce, share plates and family-friendly dining would inspire the seasonal menu.
"We have no pokies; my main passion is seriously good food made from scratch, local beers and our first shipment of local wine arrived last week," he said.
Since Cafe Victor closed Saliba travelled overseas and also worked at Milawa Bread.