FOOD LOVE: U.S. Open Dining

An elite collection of superstars gather this week in Queens to show off their skills under bright lights and intense media scrutiny while fans of all ages converge for a taste of their brilliance. The stage is the U.S. Open, but the drama isn’t only played out on the tennis courts – it’s also in the kitchen.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and Levy Restaurants, the official partner of the U.S. Open, announced the official menu and expanded culinary offerings at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the tennis championship from August 29 until September 11.
Some of the world’s top chefs, including Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, were on hand to prepare signature dishes for media and other special guests during an exclusive tasting on August 24.
Levy Restaurants executive chef Jim Abbey boasts a 250-person culinary team to prepare cuisine across five restaurants, 60 concession stands and 100 suites. With more than 700,000 fans expected to attend, rest assured that each and every mouth will find a bite to gush over.
Some of the gastronomic highlights at the tasting included the signature lobster roll at Fulton’s Seafood Stand in the Food Village. Served on a split-top bun seared in butter, the roll is stuffed with chunks of Maine lobster, celery and a dressing made in house with chili sauce, ketchup, tarragon and scallions. It is cool, it is decadent and it is rave-worthy.
Other options in the Food Village include Asian flavors ranging from Szechwan chicken stir fry and sweet and sour pork to spicy beef stir fry and vegetable fried rice. Also, the popular crepe stand returns with sweet and savory crepes including La Poulet, made with marinated chicken, spinach, mozzarella cheese and mushroom, and Un Plasir, made with fresh strawberries and Nutella. The village also offers Indian, sushi, Mexican and Italian.
As far as restaurants, the Open keeps four on its grounds including Morimoto’s ACES on the Club Level. As the premier dining destination on the grounds, ACES is known for its sophisticated seafood menu with Morimoto returning to prepare all the sushi and sashimi. The restaurant also has a dish called the Plateau Royal, a towering offering of chilled seafood.
Another great option at the Open is Mojito Restaurant and Bar, on the Arthur Ashe Stadium ground floor. Open to all guests, Mojito focuses on Latin specialties and festive libations. Snack on smoked pork bocaditos with sweet plantains, black beans and cilantro cream or diablo shrimp and scallop ceviche with orange, lime, chili and tomato.
Other dishes destined to wow guests include scallops with cornbread, Cuban sandwiches and lobster quesadillas.
With all of these options and more, foodies will rival tennis aficionados at this year’s Open.