Luke Mangan’s ‘foodies’ spice up Virgin Australia menu

Virgin Australia’s business class passengers’ tastebuds are set for a treat with a collection of new local dishes.

James Madden’s Flinders Island Saltgrass lamb rack, coming to Virgin Australia business class.

Virgin Australia’s business class passengers’ tastebuds are set for a treat with a collection of new dishes featuring local produce under construction by top “foodies”.

Australian restaurateur Luke Mangan, the first in the world to boast a culinary empire that extends across land, sea, air and rail, has selected three Australians passionate about local produce to develop unique dishes for the Virgin Australia business class menu.

Mr Mangan — who originally became involved with the Virgin brand in 2003 when Richard Branson asked him to design first-class menus for Virgin Atlantic and Virgin America — selected the three “foodies” from his Culinary Experience Officer (CEO) competition.

The three, who all entered the artisanal suppliers category in Mr Mangan’s search for a CEO campaign, unveiled their airline dishes this week at Virgin’s test kitchen at Mr Mangan’s Sydney headquarters.

The competition entrants were James Madden from Flinders Island Meat, who featured his Saltgrass lamb; Leisa Colin of Brilliant Food, who showcased her smoked ocean trout; and Christopher The of Blackstar Pastry with his cake creation featuring lavender coconut rice pudding and fresh mango.

Mr Madden was awarded best dish out of the three, meaning he proceeds to the final stage of Mr Mangan’s Search for a CEO campaign. But Mr The and Ms Colin, along with Mr Madden, have been given the opportunity to collaborate with Mr Mangan over the next six months to create their own unique dish, similar to what they created this week, for the Virgin Australia business class menu.

“Together with the team at Virgin Australia, we’re always finding new ways to impress our guests at cruising altitude, and there’s no doubt Flinders Island Meat’s quality Saltgrass lamb will be a hit with guests too,” Mr Mangan said.

Mr Mangan first partnered with Virgin Australia in 2010. He has designed the menus for Virgin Australia’s flagship business class experience, “The Business”, which have been introduced on the airline’s A330 and B777 wide body aircraft.