Citi Taste of Tennis returned to Melbourne on Thursday, 16 January at The Plaza Ballroom with Australian tennis legend Pat Cash, American Grand Slam champion Venus Williams and Executive Chef David Ricardo headlining the premier culinary and sports event alongside News broadcaster Mark Soderstrom and television presenter Kerri-Anne Kennerley.
As a premier lifestyle event on the tennis tour prior to the Australian Open, Citi Taste of Tennis offered foodies and tennis fans an evening of signature cuisine prepared by top chefs paired with some of the world’s best tennis players including Gael Monfils, Bob and Michael Bryan, Elina Svitolina, Matteo Berrettini, Ajla Tomljanovic and more, additionally, the night included a raffle benefiting World Central Kitchen, created by celebrity chef Jose Andres that raised funds for the current bush fire crisis.
Guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening sampling fine food, sipping signature cocktails and fine wines, and mingling with their favorite tennis players. Along with great music, the event featured an exciting cooking demonstration with Pat Cash and Venus Williams who showed off their culinary skills creating a signature dish of Kingfish topped with freeze-dried kimchi and lime, guided by Melbourne Executive Chef David Ricardo.
This year’s chef lineup included David Ricardo – The Plaza Ballroom, Pierrick Boyer – Reverie Café & Dessert, Ian Curley – French Saloon, Oak Kunnalok – Kekou, Zac Cribbes, and Jenna Louise North – LUCY LIU Kitchen & Bar, Alejandro Saravia – Pastuso, Valerio Calabro – Ganzo Ristorante Pizzeria, Tim Clark – Cacao and Scott Pickett – Pickett & Co.
The Citi Taste of Tennis series was produced by AYS Sports Marketing founded by Judi and Penny Lerner who successfully presented fine food with professional tennis, celebrating its 20th year.
By Melinda Sullivan
Photography Sam Tabone
PR Helen Reizer
