Lavazza Superbox Loves Melbourne
The World Loves Melbourne enjoyed first class superbox hospitality from Lavazza at the Australian Open. A highlight was the private catering with iconic Sydney chef Giovanni Pilu from Pilu at Freshwater (Lavazza Chef Ambassador) cooking up Italian fare with an emphasis on Sardinia.
Refined and innovative dishes were the order of the day, while we enjoyed watching matches involving Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic. Great coffee from Lavazza was also a feature, as well as wines from Jacobs Creek and water from Titan.
The World Loves Melbourne imbibing the top notch hospitality in the Lavazza Superbox.
Alice in Frames (below) capturing the delicious cold dishes from Giovanni Pilu.
Delightful cold dishes included Pilu Salumi, Sardinian bread, and olives; Bruschetta with charred marinated zucchini, shaved Pecorino and mint; Baked ricotta and witlof; Hiramasa kingfish, radish, fennel and bottarga; Salt baked salmon, saffron potatoes, pencil leeks, dill dressing.
Kayla and Natalie and the team at Kate & Co were fabulous hosts.
Giovanni Pilu was so accessible and engaging, even personally serving guests.
The Salt baked salmon was particularly fine; a taste and texture cacophony.
Hot dishes were cooked by Giovanni Pilu in front of us; the aromas were just as spectacular as the fare. Fregola, prawns, cherry tomatoes, zucchini flowers, was a spectacular rustic dish.
Beef sliders (above) and Pizza with prosciuto, bocconcini, roasted capsicum and rocket (below) were simple but resounded with Italian class with quality ingredients.
Giovanni Pilu was interviewed and gave a cooking demonstration as we imbibed... The Lavazza Zeppole with Marsala Mascarpone was superb and the legendary Giovanni's Tiramisu featured the nuance of Lavazza coffee.
Lavazza spiced chocolate cups served in rich red bowls were indulgent and an outstanding dessert.
Lavazza are excited to bring their coffee to the Australian Open as the official coffee partner of the Australian Open ! Lavazza are the first food and beverage brand in the world to partner all four Grand Slams globally.
The premium coffee partner is key to the Australian Open's enhanced food and beverage experience, with seven new restaurants and 12 private dining rooms on site as well as world class dining from some of Melbourne's best restaurants at the Australian Open Festival in Birrarung Marr.
"Melbourne is, without a doubt, Australia's coffee capital and we are delighted to partner with this premium global brand," Tennis Australia Commercial Director Richard Heaselgrave said today."The vibrant coffee culture is part of Melbourne's DNA, and an intrinsic part of this fantastic city. It's only fitting our fans, players, media and tournament staff have access to a premium product so dedicated to innovation and tennis as a sport. "Partnering with the nation's largest annual sporting event is a perfect opportunity for Lavazza to extend its Australian presence and for us, the chance to share and support our fans' passion…really good coffee."
"The Lavazza brand and its 120 years of history and passion have been a fact of life in Australia for over 30 years," Lavazza Group Vice President Giuseppe Lavazza said. "In September we began managing our business in Australia directly through a subsidiary. This is a market in which we aim to achieve even higher growth.
The World Loves Melbourne also checked out the 2 story Lavazza Cafe at the Australian Open; a cafe we wish we could return to every week. The view from the top deck was sensational overlooking the tennis crowd. The range of coffee beverages was also sensational; both hot and cold.
The Australian Open will represent a special opportunity for our brand to offer the public the ultimate experience of authentic Italian hospitality."A true Italian coffee experience will be served up at more than 30 on-site outlets, a two-storey, custom-built coffee destination café, two coffee carts, corporate hospitality areas, dining spots and restaurants, and a barista dedicated to the Player Café. "We are thrilled to be sharing our coffee with the thousands of visitors at the Australian Open in 2016, and we are particularly looking forward to working closely with our chef ambassadors to create a mouth-watering experience for consumers," said General Manager of Lavazza Australia, Nigel Meakins. The new partnership makes Lavazza the first food and beverage brand in the world to partner all four Grand Slam tournaments – the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.
Check out the Lavazza Cafe at the Australian Open and visit the Australian Open Festival. Thanks Lavazza and Kate & Co.