As Australian Open tickets go on sale today, the biggest names from Melbourne’s world-class restaurant scene are set to steal the spotlight at the AO in January, uniting to showcase the diversity, innovation and strength of the local industry at Australia’s biggest global event.
Melbourne’s Shane Delia (Maha), Guy Grossi (Grossi Florentino), Ben Shewry (Attica) and Nornie Bero (Mabu Mabu/Big Esso) are just some of the gastronomic geniuses preparing to fire up the frying pans and serve up sensational food at the Australian Open in January.
“Supporting and celebrating our best local talent, restaurants and bars, producers and suppliers is vital for the ongoing success and growth of our city and state, and I’m thrilled so many of the leading lights of our local food scene will be joining us at the Australian Open in January,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.
“Major events such as the AO are the life-blood of Melbourne and Victoria, and after a very tough couple of years it’s important for the Australian Open to play a huge role in the reinvigoration of our economy, and particularly in the hospitality and events industry,” Tiley continued.
Successful chef and food industry identity, Shane Delia, Director of Delia Group and Founder of Providoor, is looking forward to the return of major events to Melbourne.
“I’ve been involved with the Australian Open for more than 10 years and AO22 will be the most important year yet,” Shane Delia said.
“AO22 is the big bang we all need to show the world that Victoria is open for business, offering a world class destination for major events, food, arts and culture.
“I love nothing more than being part of Melbourne, the tennis community, and our fantastic major events. If I can contribute something extraordinarily unique that helps lead to a successful event after a dark few years for the hospitality industry, then together we’ve achieved something truly special.”
Fellow food industry leader, and the man behind one of Melbourne’s most famous restaurants, Grossi Florentino, also believes major events in Melbourne are an opportunity to showcase the best of the city and bring people together.
“What I have always loved about Melbourne is its ability to bring people together through celebration, arts, culture and sport,” Guy Grossi said.
“The Australian Open is a mega event that encircles all these things. I am so excited to be involved and not only share in this fabulous atmosphere but also play a small part in bringing elements of it to the guests through my food.
“Food is an integral part of Melbourne’s make up and braids itself through every experience including major sporting events. The excellence of the dining experiences at the AO including the choices, diversity, multiculturalism and quality are a testament to the AO’s dedication to a holistic guest experience and the importance of such a passionate and innovative hospitality industry.”
The unparalleled AO food experience in January will offer something for everyone, from five-star fine dining, celebrity chefs, sustainable cuisine and the best street food in town.
The brand-new dining precinct, set at the heart of Melbourne Park and overlooking Garden Square, will host two glamorous new restaurants, a bistro and bar as follows:
- Rockpool Bar & Grill offering spectacular indoor and alfresco dining, with an exclusive contribution to the menu by Burnt Ends, ranked No.34 in the World’s Best Restaurants. Famed Singapore-based Australian chef Dave Pynt says contributing the Rockpool menu is the perfect alignment of two like-minded restaurants and a unique opportunity to work with his respected peer Corey Costelloe from the iconic Rockpool brand.
- Penfolds Restaurant, offering a four-course menu paired with specially curated Penfolds wines, including an indulgent glass of Grange
- A more casual two-course menu is on offer at the Penfolds Bistro and the stunning Max’s Rosé Bar situated on the terrace, a rose-coloured vision in all shades of pink.
For the first time at the AO guests can book a premium micro restaurant experience and not miss a minute of the tennis action. Sit back and relax in a private Rod Laver Arena Superbox while enjoying exquisite Middle Eastern dishes from Shane Delia’s renowned restaurant Maha.
Sweeping city views and a focus on sustainability are the hallmarks of the greenhouse-inspired Atrium Eatery and Bar by Ben Shewry, located on the River Terrace. The waterwall façade and lush plantings on the terrace set the scene for signature cocktails shaken and stirred by famed mixologist Michael Madrusan (The Everleigh) featuring native botanicals, and a menu of sustainably sourced ingredients for dishes that light up the soul.
Glasshouse Dining with Guy Grossi sees the adored Melbourne master of Italian cuisine present a classic three-course menu of his signature dishes
A veritable greatest hits of Melbourne’s best CBD restaurants will land on Grand Slam Oval in January.
Paying homage to the iconic city laneways, fans can feast on fare such as burgers from Chancery Lane and Bar Margaux, the finest Italian from Grossi Florentino, Tipo 00 and Marameo, hawker-style street food from Longrain, Lucy Liu and Ginger Boy, Asian delicacies from Oriental Tea House and Robata, to the Mediterranean delights of Bar Lourinha and Stalactites.
First Nations culture and cuisine from Mabu Mabu/Big Esso chef Nornie Bero will take centre stage in Garden Square, alongside contemporary Japanese Mr Miyagi, an AO fan favourite.
Rounding out this all-star line-up is local icon Pipi’s Kiosk, which will serve up gourmet fish and chips at the new AO Beach House, where you can sip your Piper Heidsieck Champagne in a chic cabana, meet up with friends at the Grainshaker Australian Vodka Bar, or stick to your New Year’s fitness resolutions at the AO’s first dedicated health & wellness pop up.
Australian Open 2022, supported by major partner Kia Motors in association with Emirates, Luzhou Laojiao and Rolex, will take place at Melbourne Park from 17-30 January 2022.
Tickets go on sale at midday, Friday 19 November, at ticketmaster.com.au.