The most anticipated tennis event of the year kicks off August 28. Yes, I'm talking about the US Open Tennis Championships. Year after year, this star-studded tournament proves to be as much about tennis as it is about unparalleled food and drink.
Not to mention the electric atmosphere of New York's Flushing Meadows tennis complex is one-of-a-kind. Even if you're not a die-hard Serena Williams or Roger Federer fan, there is nothing that compares to taking a seat at Arthur Ashe Stadium in anticipation of watching a match between two of the top players in the world.
Now, back to the food.
Taking place August 24 at W New York is the biggest social event leading up to the US Open: Citi Taste of Tennis. This event brings together New York City's top chefs with the best tennis professionals in the world for an incredible night of music, food, tennis and overall revelry.
My favorite moment of last year's event? Dancing to the beats of special DJs Venus Williams and Gael Monfils while stuffing my mouth with delicious bites courtesy of chef Marcus Samuelsson. Another fun one was watching Rafael Nadal as he triumphantly fried catfish.
Hosting the 18th annual Citi Taste of Tennis event is Good Morning America's, Lara Spencer. Moreover, the headlining chef is none other than famed Iron Chef and James Beard Award winner, Masaharu Morimoto.
"US Open is world class sports event and I feel honored to have been given this opportunity to host the Taste of Tennis this year," says Morimoto. "It is also very exciting that I get to meet and interact with other tennis fans and those involved in the sport."
"Needless to say, one of the things that makes this event so exciting is that you get to see some of your favorite and notable tennis players," continues Morimoto. "This is one of the events that this city proudly presents and so many people are eagerly looking forward to it."
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Other notable chefs dishing out their tastiest plates during the event include April Bloomfield of Salvation Taco and Salvation Burger, Jonathan Waxman of Barbuto, Andy Ricker of Pok Pok, Antoine Westermann of Le Coq Rico, Istvan Toth of Davio's and Andre Fowles of Miss Lily's.
Starting off the VIP hour are doubles champions Bob and Mike Bryan who will be facing off in a sushi challenge alongside Morimoto. The event officially begins at 7:00 p.m. Guests can expect tastings from top-notch chefs, signature cocktails, and a nice selection of destination-themed lounges which include Jamaica and Thailand.
Among the celebrities and professional tennis players in attendance will be Alexander Zverev, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Gael Monfils.
In addition to all the scrumptious bites and sips and mingling with the stars, profits from Citi Taste of Tennis will benefit the national nonprofit organization Wellness in the Schools. WITS works to encourage healthy eating and fitness for kids in public schools in efforts to fight childhood obesity.
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The fun doesn't stop when Taste of Tennis is over. Ticketed guests can continue indulging in the name of charity with Citi Taste of Tennis After Dark, the event's first ever dessert-tasting experience in the CitiGold Lounge from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
I'm particularly excited for Cookie DO's cookie dough concoctions and Wowfulls' ice cream topped egg waffles. Sweet treats and tennis pros? It's basically a food-loving, tennis fan's dream.
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