Last week (August 25, 2022), The Knockturnal was on the scene for Citi Taste of Tennis New York 2022 at Cipriani 42nd Street.
The evening, which was created by AYS Sports Marketing, was headlined by tennis greats Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka and Celebrity Chef Emma Bengtsson, Executive Chef at Aquavit. Venus and Serena Williams made a surprise appearance as well.
For those who have never attended, the one-of-a-kind evening brings together accomplished chefs and some of the world’s top pro tennis players to celebrate tennis. It is one of the must-attend pre-US Open festivities and the bash celebrated its 22nd anniversary this year. The Knockturnal has covered and attended many editions of this event over the years, but this year was definitely our favorite. New York City was the fifth and final stop of the 2022 Citi Taste of Tennis season, following successful events in Indian Wells, Miami, London, and Washington, D.C.
At this year’s Citi Taste of Tennis NYC, we were able to sample fine food, sip delicious signature cocktails, and mingle with our favorite star tennis players.
Restaurants and food featured at this years event included:
Emma Bengtsson – Aquavit
Anastacia Son – Kumi New York (We couldn’t get enough of their Kumi Fried Rice, which was made of Hondashi, Rice, Egg and vegetables.)
John Mooney – Bell Book Candle
Kerry Heffernan – Grand Banks Oyster Bar and Galley
Chef Jassi Bindr – Amrina the Woodlands
Franklin Becker – Press Club Grill (This restaurant is opening in Fall 2022 and the salad that we tried was delicious)
Alfred Portale – Portale Restaurant
Chris Scott – Butterfunk Biscuit Company (Their Yam Croquette with Scotch Bonnet Relish & Coconut Maffe Sauce was standout)
Fany Gerson – La NewYorkina (We sampled their amazing popsicles)
Sujan Sarkar – Baar Baar (We loved their Dahi Puri which was made of Tamarind With Yogurt Mousse, Chaat Masala & Raspberry)
Hari Nayak – SONA (We are big fans of this restaurant, of which Priyanka Chopra is a co-owner)
Admir Alibasic – Admir Alibasic
Michael White – The Lambs Club (We sampled a refreshing Sweet Corn and Melon Soup Basil Appelo)
Chef Shorne Benjamin – Saint Lucia
Ali Ghriskey – Pine & Polk
Oscar Gonzalez – Hard Rock Cafe
Cedric Tovar – Lotte Palace
Chef Omar – Jamaica Tourist Board
Chef Derrick – Jamaica Tourist Board
Shinichoro Noguchi – Nikutei
Futago Sunbong Lee, Sunchol Lee – Yakiniku Futago
Belinda Bishop – Flavours of Grenada
DJ Mad Linx was on the turntables. Catena Zapata served guests fine wine. Guests also enjoyed VOSS cocktails and sparkling water. Chef Bengtsson hosted an exciting on-stage cooking demonstration. All chefs were outfitted by Chefworks.
Additional sponsors included the Hard Rock Hotel New York, Jamaica Tourist Board, Catena Zapata, Maker’s Mark, Sipsmith, Lucky in Love, Voss and Volkl. A portion of the proceeds raised at this year’s Citi Taste of Tennis NYC benefitted the New York Junior Tennis and Learning (NYJTL). NYJTL is dedicated to developing the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court. All NYJTL community and after school programs are offered in all five boroughs at no cost. Having served 85,000 youth of NYC in 45 years, today NYJTL is the largest non-profit youth tennis program.
Check out our interview with Casa Del Sol tequila co-owner Eva Longoria and new investor tennis star Garbiñe Muguruza.
We also spoke with top male tennis player Mackenzie McDonald.
