AUSTRALIAN OPEN
The “energy-giving” restaurant for Alcaraz at the Australian Open
Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz is targeting another title Down Under and has become a regular in a ‘London’ restaurant that has landed in Melbourne.
Carlos Alcaraz continues to take giant strides at the 2024 Australian Open. Facing Juncheng Shang, he secured a spot in the Grand Slam’s fourth round for the first time, where he will face the tough opponent Miomir Kecmanovic on Monday. The Palmar native expressed feeling “very good” and revealed the source of his energy - a Spanish restaurant that has relocated from London to Melbourne, setting up two areas: one for fans and another for players.
Making a tough choice between training and the tournament’s Spanish restaurant, Alcaraz confessed, “I eat every day at the Spanish restaurant; that’s where I get my energy. I feel good on the court. Now, we’ll discuss with my team what to do.”
Cambio de Tercio is the trusted restaurant for Alcaraz and his team during their time in Australia. The London venue brought luck at the last Wimbledon, resulting in his first title at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
“I deserve half of the Wimbledon tournament”
Abel Lusa, the proprietor of this gastronomic venture located in Chelsea, has served meals to a roster of tennis players and well-known faces. His restaurant has become a talisman for Spanish tennis. Rafa Nadal, Conchita Martínez, Garbiñe Muguruza, and Carlos Alcaraz are among the Wimbledon champions who have dined at the establishment owned by the Riojan entrepreneur.
“It’s not right for me to say, but I deserve half of the Wimbledon tournament,” he acknowledged in an interview. Juan Carlos I, Dustin Hoffman, Antonio Banderas, Robert De Niro, and Hugh Grant have also frequented the establishment.
The idea of expanding his business to Australia began to take shape thanks to Craig Tiley, the director of the Australian Open and a loyal customer of Cambio de Tercio. Lusa jokingly proposed the idea of bringing his restaurant to Australian soil and succeeded. He brought his team to Melbourne: Alberto Criado (head chef), Javier Mariño (2nd head chef), and Luis Navacerrada (cook). Djokovic, a lover of Spain, as well as Murray and Tsitsipas, among many others, have enjoyed the gastronomic offerings of this restaurant.
In its more than 20 years in the capital of London, Cambio de Tercio has consistently impressed diners with unique and exclusive Spanish products. This establishment blends traditional dishes with contemporary creations, offering a diverse menu. From traditional tapas like ham croquettes with panko, olives, or bravas potatoes to a hake in green sauce. Iberian specialties, including ham and chorizo, potato omelette, or a hot dog with chistorra, also shine on the menu. The average price per diner can range from 25 to 65 euros. The restaurant provides a tasting menu, featuring the best dishes from Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines, priced around 60 euros.
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