The U.S. Open is underway in Flushing Meadows, Queens. But fans know that the only action isn't just on the court but in the food and cocktails too.
It's the intersection of world class tennis and first-class food. How about chicken nuggets and caviar?
"You have to use the mother of pearl spoon, but the most important part has to be pinky up," Simon King, a restaurateur, said.
Make sure to come hungry if you're heading to the U.S. Open.
Next to tennis, food here is everything. The culinary line at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is top notch. This year, more than 100 vendors along with celebrity chefs have cooked up so many decant dishes you'll find in the stadiums and on the grounds.
"It's like serving Mother's Day in a restaurant for three straight weeks, so you've got to make sure you're prepared," USTA COO Danny Zausner said.
Something Henry Laporte from Salt Hank's is still trying to get his head around.
"This is incredible. I have butterflies. This is insane," Laporte said.
He's the brains behind this mouthwatering French dip sandwich that's gone viral on social media. It's made with lots of love by Salt Hank's team in the West Village. It's the restaurants first time here at the U.S. Open.
"I'm lined up next to people I've looked up to while entire culinary career, if not life," Laporte said. "I'm literally two people down from Morimoto, giving him dap, I'm like how the hell is this happening."
Laporte is trying to keep his cool. What's really cool is the Thankful Turkey Salad--a nod to the holiday on a bed of kale. It's a favorite at The Nourish Spot, here for the fifth year.
"For a small, emerging business from Queens, to get a space on a global stage is phenomenal," Dawn Kelly, from The Nourish Spot, said.
It has also led to partnerships with celebrities.
"Maggie Baird and her daughter Billie Eilish," Kelly said. "We met them here last year."
For a list of all of the food available during the tournament, check out the Open's website.
Leave a Comment