Photo: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty
Labor Day may signal the unofficial end of summer, but it also marks the beginning of tennis season in New York.
Fans from all over the world will soon descend upon the grounds of the US Open Championships to watch elite players and exciting matches — includingSerena Williamstry to win a history-making 24th Grand Slam victory before beginningan “evolution” away from tennis.
And while they’re catching the live matches at the Billie Jean Tennis Center in Flushing, New York, they’ll also be snacking on some of the best and most diverse dining options in all of sports. With a wide array of choices — from celebrity chef-run pop-ups to gourmet food stalls to bars serving speciality cocktails — there’s something for every craving and every budget.
DRINKS
Cocktails.If you don’t post a photo of the Honey Deuce at the US Open, did you even go?! Grey Goose’s signature summer cocktail is back and is as refreshing (and photogenic) as ever. The vodka-spiked lemonade is mixed with raspberry liqueur, garnished with three honeydew melon “tennis” balls, and served in a commemorative US Open cup. Veteran tennis fans know to grab their drinks early in the tournament because the glasses often sell out days before the final matches. For something a little cooler on hot days, opt for a Frozen Honey Deuce — a blended, slushy version of the cocktail — sold at various locations around the grounds.
If you can’t make it to the US Open this year, mix up your own Honey Deuce at homewith the recipe Grey Gooseshared with PEOPLE.
Grey Goose
Coffee.For a pick-me-up any time, the Lavazza Cafe is the place to stop. Along with a selection of freshly-brewed coffee drinks and boozy coffee-tails, fans can grab of one of theirfour ready-to-drink, canned cold brews: classic cold brew, nitro cold brew, double shot with oat milk and cappuccino. For a sweet coffee-meets-dessert treat, choose an edible cookie cup option: Cookie Torinese, a cookie cup with cereal, hazelnut cream espresso and whipped cream, and the Cookie Capri, a cookie cup spread with hazelnut cream, espresso and creamy milk.
Summer Drinks:It’s August in New York, and it gets hot. Cool down with a refreshing Pineapple Green Tea (a tropical twist on iced tea) at Poke Yachty or a Strawberry Yuzu Lemonade (a tangy, fruity lemonade) at Korilla BBQ.
Ben Hider/AP Images for American Express
CELEBRITY CHEF AND FULL-SERVE RESTAURANTS
Darren Carroll/USTA
ACES:It’s a Michelin-starred chef trifecta at the US Open’s seafood restaurant. Chefs Michael White, Ed Brown and Masaharu Morimoto have teamed up to serve a gourmet selection of fresh fish dishes, hand-crafted sushi and maki, and handmade pastas.
NEW DINING IN THE FOOD VILLAGE
Eataly:The Italian super-emporium is serving up Mediterranean favorites, like tagliatelle bolognese, caprese salad, prosciutto with Parmiagiano and Rossopomodoro pizza.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream: The popular ice cream shop offers something for everyone. Choose from options like honeycomb ice cream and vegan cookies and cream caramel swirl to coffee affogato to brown sugar walnut cookie dough. Or, go for the US Open special: The Topspin Treat is vanilla ice cream topped with rainbow sprinkles, cookies and cream crumble and a tennis ball skewer.
Nourish Spot:For a healthier option, try a fresh smoothie (like their Tropical Dream or Cucumber Mint) and salad (like their hearty, veggie-filled Turkey Salad).
Gourmet Garage:Choose from sandwiches (like their turkey and brie on focaccia) or sushi (like the lobster volcano roll) or chilled fruit (like their watermelon salad).
EXPERIENCES
American Express Fan Experience: Located near the main entrance to the grounds, the Fan Experience is open to all ticket-holders. Card members, however, will be able to play Glow Tennis on the digital courts and receive complimentary tennis-themed manicures. Keep a look out for celebrities as they visit to meet and greet fans.
Emirates Ball Flight:The fan-favorite tradition continues! After each match, members of theEmirates cabin crewgives the winning player(s) tennis balls to sign before he or she hits them out into the crowd — and three lucky fans go home with the ultimate souvenir, courtesy of the official airline of the tournament.
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source: people.com
