Mangan said the new menus reflect his signature produce-driven style with a local, contemporary twist and new dishes include beef wonton soup with Sichuan pepper and bok choy and for breakfast, falafel with roasted mushrooms, bacon and labne.
New wine lists have also been created in collaboration with Luke’s Group Sommelier, Mauro Bortolato, specifically for enjoying at altitude.
Business class guests will also be able to snack on produce from local suppliers such as Pana chocolate, Gundowring ice cream and Molives hand-stuffed olives.
Virgin Australia’s star chef Luke Mangan
“Food is such an integral part of the flying experience, and we want to ensure that Virgin Australia guests travelling in Business Class receive the ultimate package when they fly with us,” Mangan said.
“I’m passionate about using premium ingredients which reflect Australia’s rich culinary landscape, while incorporating elements from the destinations to which Virgin Australia flies.
Molives are now found onboard Virgin Australia
“Many of our guests prefer lighter options, such as salads with bold, zesty flavours, whilst others are looking for something more substantial. We keep this in mind when designing menus, aiming to ensure we have a range of options available,” he said.
Mangan said each flight will have a dish that reflects the flavours unique to the destination, with flights to Hong Kong offering beef wonton soup with Sichuan pepper and bok choy.
It’s about fresh local produce on Virgin Australia
Business Class within Australia may enjoy a new take on the classic big breakfast, with dishes such as falafel with roasted mushrooms, bacon and labne, or the ham rosti topped with Tuscan cabbage and tomato relish.
Business Class guests flying to and from Los Angeles can take advantage of the bar area, complete with its own menu featuring new items including the baba ghanoush with marinated feta, pine nuts and toasted flatbread, or garlic toast with prosciutto, fennel and herb salad.
New Business Class menus will be available onboard Virgin Australia long haul international and domestic flights from 7 March 2018.