Torn between Djokovic and hummus

Last year, as Novak Djokovic triumphantly lifted the Australian Open trophy, Charlie Carrington was busy juggling three tonnes of hummus. The young chef, despite being at the venue, probably missed the highlight of the day... but he isn’t complaining. For, he successfully managed to feed nearly 25,000 people over two weeks at his popup restaurant at Melbourne Park. Interestingly, this tennis extravaganza is also a haven for connoisseurs of good food. Grand Slam Oval features a variety of cuisine that traverses between fine dining and street food. After making his début at the event last year, Carrington is back again. In 2020, his menu comprised Mediterranean favourites from his venture LOMAH. This year, his restaurant Atlas Dining will cater at the venue and the focus is on Australian cuisine. “It’s a lot of fresh produce. The food has got a lot of influence from different countries: Lebanese, Chinese, Indian, Greek...,” says Carrington, over a Zoom call from Melbourne.