An all-female line-up of food icons will feature at the AO Chef Series at Australian Open 2020.
Food stylist and Australian icon Donna Hay, Indian-based restaurateur Sarah Todd, Hobart restaurant Franklin head chef Analiese Gregory and Thai chef Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava will each host two lavish dinners during the tournament.
Donna Hay, who recently released her 29thbook WeekLight, is honoured to be part of the event and is already working on creating a very memorable menu for guests.
“I’m planning to take guests on a journey,” Hay said.
“My menu is inspired by my childhood and some of the amazing experiences I have had building my career, a menu full of history and personal celebrations.
“There is such a great vibe at the moment in Australian tennis with Ash Barty becoming No.1 and winning the French Open, so to be a very small part of the tournament next year will be a wonderful thing.”
Sarah Todd, based in India for the past five years, is running three successful restaurants including Antares in Goa. Todd is also excited to be in Melbourne for the tournament.
“I was so happy to be asked. I’m a very proud Australian and I think it’s nice to be able to come back and cook and show people what I’ve been doing for the past five years,” Todd said.
Analiese Gregory learnt her craft at Quay in Sydney before taking Hobart by storm at acclaimed restaurant Franklin and is looking forward to joining the line-up.
“I’m super excited because I love tennis,” Gregory said.
“I don’t often cook out of Tasmania these days, so I’m really looking forward to bringing some of the team, and some of the ingredients, up to Melbourne to showcase a small part of what we do at Franklin.”
Named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2013, Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava’s restaurant Bo.lan is currently ranked No.19 in the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. A leading advocate for the use of bio-diverse products, Michelin star holder Bo is excited to bring that world best reputation.
Tennis Australia Head of Food Enda Cunningham is pleased to welcome these leading food ambassadors to Melbourne.
“In 2020, the AO Chef Series will celebrate the incredible achievements of some of the food and hospitality industry’s most talented women alongside the world’s best female athletes competing at the Australian Open,” Cunningham said.
“Entering its third year at Australian Open 2020, the AO Chef Series continues to play a major part of our extensive food and hospitality offering,” he continued.
All four chefs will create a degustation menu at The Glasshouse opposite Rod Laver Arena during the first Grand Slam tournament of the year.
AO Chef Series dates
Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava: Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 January 2020.
Sarah Todd: Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 January 2020.
Donna Hay: Friday 24 and Saturday 25 January 2020.
Analiese Gregory: Sunday 26 and Monday 27 January 2020.