The US Open is a time when the world stops to appreciate professional sportsmanship in the heart of Queens.
Every year the end of summer marks the start for one of the most premier tennis championships. Some people take the 7 train a couple stops while others buy plane tickets just to catch a few matches.
While everything about the US Open has spectators’ attention on the sport of tennis, it’s not the only avenue of professionalism that’s showcased on the grounds. I’m specifically referencing the culinary arts. The US Open is home to food from New York’s most prestigious restaurants, and it only makes sense that champion athletes would attract champion food. You have sandwiches from Fuku, meat cuts from Pat La Freida, and wagyu dogs from Dean & Deluca. If this somehow wasn’t special enough, the chefs themselves are present in curating the food for the tournament. So as people fly in from all over the world, they have a chance to enjoy world-class food while they watch world-class athletes perform.
Photography by Andrew Abbensett
I got to sample a good portion of the menu, and while every dish knocked me off my feet, I most definitely have some personal favorites. The filet mignon sandwich, courtesy of Pat La Freida, was something special. It strikes a perfect balance as something that looks like a pretty regular appetizing sandwich but packs the kind of flavor that transports you right into a high-class steakhouse. I also have to say a word or two about the East and West Coast oysters from Josh Capon’s Lure. I haven’t had an oyster craving for a while, but after trying that dish I feel like Capon made me fall back in love with them. There was just a touch of garnish on each one that was enough to add to the flavor profile while still letting the amazing oysters speak for themselves.
Photography by Andrew Abbensett
Honestly, given the time, I could go on and on about the food because it’s really something special that you don’t typically associate with the kind of dinner you might have at a sporting event. Which just adds another reason as to why you should treat yourself while at the US Open this year.