Photo: Al Bello/Getty Images
Beginning on Aug. 26, tennis fans from all over the world will descend upon the grounds of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships to watch elite players and exciting matches. But they also are coming to eat.
That’s because the grand slam tournament in Queens, N.Y. is known for offering some of the best and most diverse dining options in all of sports. With dozens of food vendor choices—from exclusive celeb chef-run restaurants to gourmet food stalls to classic game day snack stands—there’s something for every taste and every budget. Don’t know where to start your tennis food crawl? We’ve got you covered.
FIRST, GET A DRINK—OR THREE
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL:If you don’t order a Honey Deuce and post that photo on Instagram, did you even go?! The Grey Goose vodka-spiked raspberry lemonade garnished with a yellow melon “tennis” ball has become a must-have at the tournament. (Over 750,000 melon balls are made and served every year!) For something a little cooler on hot days, opt for a Frozen Honey Deuce—order one in the American Express Card Member lounge located above the Fan Experience. Grab one on your way onto the grounds or, if you can’t make it out to the tournament this year, make your own with the recipe Grey Goose shared with PEOPLE. To celebrate the 2019 tournament, Grey Goose is also launching a limited-edition US Open vodka bottle—available online for $49—featuring a modern design of tennis balls bouncing on a racquet.
WINE:Order a glass—or a full bottle—of Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc, rosé or pinot noir at the bar or at one of the drink carts peppered throughout the grounds. Pro tip: The Ace Frosé—their version of the slushy frozen rosé cocktail—is especially delicious on hot, humid days.
COFFEE:For a pick-me-up any time, Lavazza’s Cold Brew coffee bar at the Lavazza Cafe is the place to stop. Choose from one of their four cold brew options: Cherry Deuce or Mocha Ace for a sweeter blend; or Double Hazelnut or Ginger Smash for a bolder caffeine kick.
SUMMER SIPS: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. For a drink with a little more punch, try the Mango-Lychee Mojito cocktail at JoJu.
SCOPE OUT THE ROOKIES
Fans ofTop Chefshould not miss former champJoe Flamm, who along with star chef Tony Mantuano andTop Chefalum Joe Sasto, will serve pastas and Italian dishes atCafé Spiaggia—a casual pop-up of their Chicago restaurant. (Pick up the current issue of PEOPLE magazine to get Flamm’s exclusive Penne with Pomodoro recipe that he’ll be making for the tournament.)
SWING THROUGH THE FOOD VILLAGE
FIELDTRIP:Get a taste of chef JJ Johnson’s Harlem restaurant, which will offer a variety of grain and rice bowls and wraps. Choose from hearty options like the Crispy Chicken Bowl with Carolina Gold rice, edamame, sticky BBQ sauce, and crispy chicken breast or vegetarian-friendly Quinoa Wrap with mushroom, corn, avocado, cilantro, creamy mozzarella, and yucca puffs.
Fuku: David Chang’s fried chicken sandwich shop is a fan-favorite at the tournament. This year, he’s serving the Rainbow Chicken Sandwich (spicy fried chicken topped with ranch and rainbow slaw) but don’t sleep on the 110 Burger (two beef patties topped with cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, pickles, and flavored mayo).
Melt Shop: Keep the sandwich theme going with a spin on the grilled cheese, like Grilled Cheese with Bacon or the Fried Chicken Melt (buttermilk fried chicken, pepper jack cheese and red cabbage slaw). And don’t forget a side of Shop Tots, potato tots dusted with parmesan.
Korilla BBQ & Poke Yachty: At Korilla, try chef Esther Choi’s Honey Butter Tater Tots and K-Bop—a sticky rice bowl topped with kale, kimchi, fire-roasted corn and your choice of protein (like bulgogi or ginger sesame chicken). For a lighter meal, grab a fresh tuna, spicy tuna, salmon, crab and shrimp, or tofu poke bowl at Choi’s Poke Yachty stall.
JoJu: For a spin on the classic game day hot dog, try the Vietnamese-style Banh Mi Bacon Dog, a sausage wrapped in bacon and topped with spicy mayo, green sauce, and banh mi fixings.
Melt Bakery:Speaking of dessert … don’t miss out on these hand-made ice cream cookie sandwiches made fresh daily. Snag a new Cinnamax (snickerdoodle cookies with cinnamon ice cream) or a Evil Twin (chocolate chip cookies with chocolate ice cream)
HAVE A PROPER SIT-DOWN MEAL
Mojito Restaurant:Chef David Burke’s spot, with a menu of Cuban-Asian-American fusion dishes and cocktails, is a perfect place to grab a relaxed meal in between matches.
ACES:Chefs Ed Brown and Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto have created a seafood menu for all. Choose from olive oil poached salmon, tuna tartare, speciailty sushi rolls, or simply mix-and-match from the restaurant’s raw bar.
Lure Fishbar:Chef Josh Capon’s seafood restaurant isthespot for a fresh lobster roll—try the Lobster BLT!—at the tournament.
SNACK AROUND ALL DAY, EVERY DAY
According to the USTA, the tournament attracts more than 700,000 fans during the two-week run—which adds up to a lot of diners to feed. The US Open will serve approximately 225,000 hamburgers and hot dogs, 66,000 bananas, 9,000 pounds of lobster, and 7,000 specialty tennis ball cookies.
source: people.com
