MEDIA RELEASE: 22nd February 2016

Fresh Catering’s Flavours of China for Turandot, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour

Fresh Catering partners with Opera Australia for the fifth year, March 24-April 24 2016

Sydney, February 23rd 2016 - Fresh Catering is thrilled to announce that for the fifth consecutive year, they will be exclusive caterer for one of Sydney’s most prestigious events, Opera Australia’s Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. For this year’s production of Puccini’s Turandot, Fresh Catering will serve magnificent Chinese inspired food at each of the five harbourside dining outlets. From the exclusive Platinum Club, Northern and Southern Terraces to the Northern Cantina and Qantas Garden Bar, the diversity in dining and food options for Turandot reflect the Opera’s richness and exotic style. Complementing the cultural theming of Turandot, Fresh Catering Executive Chef Geoff Haviland has drawn inspiration from the exciting and diverse cuisine of Imperial Peking, his own experience travelling throughout China’s Sichuan Province and as Executive Chef of Intercontinental Hong Kong. Says Haviland, “Both The Platinum Club’s premium à la carte menu and lavish buffet will feature a fantastic range of tastes, textures and cooking techniques from Beijing featuring authentic dishes you would see in the best restaurants in China like the Steamed Barramundi on Lobster Fried Rice with Snake Beans & Black Bean Butter Sauce. We’ve also added a few culinary surprises throughout the menu like our Green Tea Pavlova with Cumquat Curd, Black Sesame Cream & Lychee Salad. “Much of the food originating in Beijing are vendor-based meals, well suited to the Northern and Southern Terraces and the Qantas Garden Bar where you’ll find China’s famous General Tso’s Chicken and Chinese street snack favourite, Bao presented with a range of delicious ingredients like Red Braised Pork Belly with Szechian Pickles and Hoi Sin Aioli. At the Northern Cantina we will present Hawker-market style cuisine and one of my favourite dishes, Lamb Shank in Master Stock with Red Dates & Woodear Mushrooms or Pork Spare Ribs with Black Vinegar Caramel, Egg Fried Rice & Chinese Greens.” Haviland will lead his culinary team, catering to 50,000+ opera-goers across the 4 week performance period from March 24th – April 24th 2016.

PAGE 2../ Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has become a part of Sydney’s cultural landscape, combining all of the things Sydney does best: world-class opera, great food and wine and spectacular sunsets on the harbour's edge. Executive Producer Louisa Robertson is thrilled to be working with Fresh Catering again for the 2016 season. “Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has developed a reputation for delivering an experience of exceptional quality across every facet of the event. We have world-class performers and creative talent in the most spectacular setting and Fresh Catering is an integral part of that delivery.” Each year they go to great lengths to devise menus that complement the production and this year is no exception, providing a range of traditional and contemporary options to cater to our patrons’ varying tastes and budgets.” TheHanda Opera on Sydney Harbour precinct opens at 5pm ahead of each performance, in time to catch the sunset from one of the many pop-up dining venues. Platinum Club – open from 5.30pm: For the ultimate pre-performance dining experience, guests at the Platinum Club can choose from either a Chinese-inspired three-course sit down dinner with premium Tyrell’s wines in the Platinum Club Restaurant (open from 5.30pm) or the signature pre-performance buffet with wine in The Platinum Club Bar (open from 6.00pm). At interval, guests have the option to retreat to the Platinum Club Restaurant for Interval Dessert High Tea (new this season) or simply enjoy the ambience and spectacular views along with drinks and nibbles at the Platinum Club Bar & Lounge. Prepared by Fresh Catering’s award-winning Chefs, the Platinum Club Restaurant’s Three Course Menu includes exquisite options: Braised Wagyu Beef Shortrib with Rice Noodle Roll, Wolfberries, Chinese Greens & 5 Spice Pork Scratchings ; Steamed Barramundi on Lobster Fried Rice with Snake Beans & Black Bean Butter Sauce; Layers of Crispy Bean Curd Skin with Wild Mushrooms, Asian Greens, Red Braised Tofu & Soybean Purée; Green Tea Pavlova with Cumquat Curd, Black Sesame Cream & Lychee Salad among other delicacies.* (*full menus attached, bookings required at The Platinum Club). Northern and Southern Terraces – open from 5.00pm: The Northern and Southern Terraces offer a broad range of Chinese inspired dishes in an informal setting overlooking Sydney Harbour and the iconic Sydney skyline. Gather some friends and enjoy pop-up dining with salads, starters and substantial main courses including a Chinese Tasting Platter featuring: Mushroom Salad, Spicy Omelette Roll, Soybean Frittata or China’s famous General Tso’s Chicken; an array of desserts and takeaway performance snacks as well as steamed Chinese dumplings at interval. Northern Cantina – open from 5.00pm: The Northern Cantina offers share plates, main courses and desserts as well as a selection of steamed Chinese dumplings at interval. Some of the main courses include Lamb Shank in Master Stock with Red Dates & Woodear Mushrooms or Pork Spare Ribs with Black Vinegar Caramel, Egg Fried Rice & Chinese Greens. Complete your pre-opera dining with Black Sesame & Almond Chocolate Brownie; Hong Kong Egg Custard Tart; Mango Coconut Pearl Pudding (or take it with you to enjoy during the performance with a glass of sparkling!).

PAGE 3../ Qantas Garden Bar – open from 5.00pm: At the scenic Qantas Garden Bar opera-goers will enjoy small bites, a Bao Bar and desserts including Spiced Tofu Bao with Chinese Mushrooms & Goji Berries or Red Braised Pork Belly Bao with Szechuan Pickles and Hoisin Aioli; steamed buns at interval and desserts including Hong Kong Egg Custard Tart; Black Sesame & Almond Chocolate Brownie; Candied Ginger, Lychee & Goji Berry Cheesecake.

There are several Sparkling & Oyster Bars dotted around the precinct serving chilled sparkling wine, sweet and savoury delicacies including Drunken Chicken and Mango Coconut Pearl Pudding that guests can access throughout the evening from 6pm.

Tickets are on sale now, for information and bookings visit https://opera.org.au/whatson/events/turandot-on-sydney-harbour or call theOpera Australia Box Office (02) 9318 8200.

-ends- About Fresh Catering *"Best Caterer at a Major Event" 2013 – Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, NSW Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence *“Australian Event of the Year 2012” – Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – Opera Australia, Australian Event Awards Fresh Catering, established in October 1999 has been awarded "Hall of Fame - Individual" awarded to Peter McCloskey at The Savour Australia Restaurant and Catering HOSTPLUSAwards for Excellence 2014; “Venue Caterer of the Year 2013” for the Museum of Contemporary Art; “Best Caterer at a Major Event” for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour; “Caterer of the Year” by the NSW Restaurant & Catering Association’s 2013 Savour Australia™ Restaurant & Catering HOSTPLUS Awards for Excellence. Fresh have also been awarded “National Event Caterer of the Year”, 2011 Australian Restaurant and Catering Association; “Caterer of the Year” 2011 NSW Restaurant & Catering Association Awards; “Best Caterer at an Event” 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007; NSW Restaurant & Catering Awards; “Best Wedding Caterer in a Venue – Vaucluse House Tea Rooms” 2011; NSW Restaurant & Catering Association Awards;“Boardroom Caterer of the Year” 2010 NSW Restaurant & Catering Awards; “Best Caterer” 2011, 2010, 2009 Mice.net Australian Readers Choice Awards”; “Event Caterer of the Year” 2008, 2007 BT Publishing E-Awards. Fresh Catering retail and exclusive venues: No. 10 Bistro & No. 10 Store at The Mint and exclusive caterer at The Mint; The Governors Table Bar & Food and the Museum of Sydney; Vaucluse House Tearooms; Elizabeth Bay House; Justice & Police Museum; The Museum of Contemporary Art’s Rooftop Venues and the MCA Café, The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf at Sydney Theatre Company, Redfern’s multi-arts venue Carriageworks and Cornerstone Bar & Food. Fresh Catering is an appointed Gold License Caterer with the Restaurant and Catering Industry Association of NSW and are members of the Meetings & Events Australia Association. Media Enquiries: Publicity Partners: Nicole Ford – Publicity Partners t: 0414-554-356 e: nicoleford@publicitypartners.com.au Related media sources: Chef notes on Turandot Menu & Geoff Haviland Biography