Venice Room Review: A Kitschy San Gabriel Valley Institution with Self-Service Steaks

A review of the Venice Room, a restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley, California, critiques its décor and menu while drawing comparisons to the Venice Biennale. The author notes the restaurant's walls are adorned with fresco murals and framed paintings of Venetian scenes, calling the installation worthy of exhibition at the Biennale. The review criticizes the selection of Alma Allen to represent the United States at the Venice Biennale, arguing his work is skilled but uninteresting for the current moment, and questions the ethics of artists accepting invitations from institutions funded by controversial sources. The author recounts a 2015 visit to the Venice Biennale, describing Venice as a claustrophobic, overhyped tourist destination. The Venice Room's menu is small, with the recommended option being a self-cooked steak special served with baked potato, Texas toast, and salad. The bartender cannot make a Negroni or serve Fernet due to lack of Campari and Fernet, respectively. The review ends with an overheard conversation and a sign noting that VR stands for both Venice Room and Valued Regulars.