Monday, 22 January 2018

World-class talent from both the tennis court and the kitchen will be on display at this year’s Australian Open, with world-renowned chefs serving up the best of Victoria’s fresh produce.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren joined Chef Alejandro Saravia from Pastuso at the AO Chef Series where Alejandro used his culinary flare to showcase the best of Gippsland’s regional produce.

The Australian Open Chef Series has brought together some of the nation’s and the world’s best chefs to create a unique dining experience for visitors using some of the Victoria’s best produce.

Some of Melbourne’s best eateries are sharing their dishes at this year’s Open including Nobu, Gazi, Mamasita, Ginger Boy, Hunky Dory Fish and Chips and Biggie Smalls.

Last year’s tournament saw more than 2.5 tonnes of beef, 150,000 coffees, 100,000 ice creams and 30,000 pieces of sushi consumed. This was in addition to the almost 19,500 pieces of fruit handed out to kids in the AO Ballpark.

The Australian Open 2017 saw a record 728,000 fans pouring through the gates, creating around 1,100 jobs and injecting more than $280 million into the economy.

It also helped create jobs for Victorians with Tennis Australia, Melbourne Olympic Parks and catering suppliers Delaware North employing 9279 staff, contractors and volunteers.

For information visit or to buy tickets visit ausopen.com.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren

“The Australian Open is the perfect opportunity to show the world the best of Victoria, including our award-winning food and wine.”

“Major events like the Australian Open keep our hotels full, our night spots bustling and our economy strong – and that means more jobs and a stronger state.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“More chefs and restaurants than ever before are making use of Gippsland’s fantastic produce – it’s little wonder that our goods are making it big when they are amongst the world’s best.”