Singing for their supper

Edited by Ben Wyld and Bonnie Malkin

Was it a canny marketing ploy that saw the world-class tenor Andrea Bocelli dining at Aria restaurant last week, or was the performer simply trying to branch out from his usual Italian fare? Either way, the tenor and his 26-person entourage seemed to be enjoying themselves at the Circular Quay restaurant.

Bocelli and friends, including the 17-year-old New Zealand soprano Hayley Westenra, enjoyed drinks with sauteed scallop and king prawn canapes on the balcony before moving inside for dinner.

Bocelli then indulged in pork belly, rocket and parmesan salad and beef with oxtail and bearnaise, all washed down with a selection of Australian wines and champagne.

But it was early to bed for the gang, who returned to their hotel at 10.30, ahead of Bocelli's two performances at the SuperDome at the weekend.

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