What to Eat and Drink at the U.S. Open
Food from COQODAQ, Carnegie Deli, Alex Guarnaschelli, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, and more
After a long, steamy summer, we’re welcoming the signs that indicate fall is fast approaching.
One of New York City’s last big summer blowout events is the U.S. Open. This year, the Open runs from Mon, August 26 to Sunday, September 8 with a robust lineup of the world’s greatest athletes competing for the Grand Slam title and a $3.6 million prize (each) for the women’s and men’s singles champions.
Players will be announced next week, on Thursday, August 22, but almost as important is the lineup of food and drink at the Open. Food ranges from hot dogs and sodas to splits of champagne and freshly shucked oysters — and everything in between.
Chef Alex Guarnaschelli approves of the plethora of options when asked about food at the Open. “The truth is, I think you need those iconic foods like hot dogs and burgers more than ever. Those are the stands that are always flooded with lines. Italian food has also become as integral as these American classics. That said, I think attendees are adventurous and also connoisseurs. With an elite level of sport, all around you, the desire to match the food with the athletics makes sense. There are so many higher-end places honoring the desire for a celebration of global cooking.”
This year, the U.S. Open’s food roster is impressive with restaurateur Simon Kim bringing his Korean fried chicken sensation, COQODAQ, to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. An avid tennis player, Kim loves the energy of the U.S. Open. “I’ve been attending the Open for the past few years and it’s amazing to see it evolve into such a global celebration of tennis. People from all walks of life gather to watch the best players from around the world. It’s an electrifying time in New York, and I can’t wait to be part if it this year,” he says. COQODAQ will bring its OG nuggets to the Open, complete with three classic sauces and pickled radish on the side. “For something special, we’re offering golden 24k nuggets with a custom tin of Petrossian caviar for fans to scoop on themselves,” says Kim, calling it, “a fun, interactive moment.” Look out for the Black Gold nugget with seasonal truffle from Solex Fine Foods, along with cole slaw and mac and cheese.
Carnegie Deli also pops up at the U.S. Open, offering its iconic hot corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. "We're thrilled to bring our legacy of classic New York deli fare to the excitement of the U.S. Open," said Sarri Harper, CEO of Carnegie Deli Group. "Piled high with our signature smoked and cured meats, our U.S. Open offerings are served up with the same 'love' and care we put into every sandwich.” The beloved deli will also offer New York hot dogs, fries, cheesecake, roasted turkey breast sandwiches, and giant black and white cookies.
Alex Guarnaschelli returns to the U.S. Open for the fourth year with Fare, her Mediterranean restaurant. The chef will offer variations on some of her signature dishes from her Midtown restaurant, Butter, along with some special items straight from New York’s favorite food neighborhood. “I am serving a variety of ingredients straight from Little Italy like burrata and mixed olives straight from Di Palo's on Grand Street and cheesecakes just down the block from Ferrara Bakery,” she tells Broken Palate.
Other standouts include Cuban-American cuisine at Mojito by David Burke, lobster rolls and fresh oysters at Josh Capon’s Fly Fish, pizza from Eataly, chicken sandwiches at Fuku, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream’s honeycomb fudge ripple — an exclusive flavor only available at the US Open.
Over in Aces, fans can experience local and seasonal seafood from chefs Ed Brown, Masaharu Morimoto, and Kwame Onwuachi.
And, of course, there are plenty of drinks to quench that thirst. Sip champagne at the Moët & Chandon Bar, grab a “Heine” at the Heineken Bar, and enjoy a cocktail at the Dobel Tequila Club, to name a few.
To whet your appetite for the U.S. Open and all its amazing food, the annual Flavors of the Open, presented by Dobel Tequila returns to the Open’s Louis Armstrong Stadium on August 22. Fans who purchase tickets to Flavors of the Open will be able to sample food and drink, interact with celebrity chefs, play games, and may even get the chance to play on the court. A portion of ticket proceeds will support the USTA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the USTA that helps provide tennis and academic programs to youth in under-resourced communities nationwide. Dishes include Alex Guarnaschelli’s signature cavatappi pasta with yellow tomato sauce and cherry tomatoes. “It’s a great vegetarian dish,” says the chef, adding, “sometimes that’s what you need in a mix of such elite chefs and exciting dishes.” To purchase tickets to Flavors of the Open, visit usopen.org.
Guarnaschelli will also host Dan’s White Party at Gurney’s Montauk tomorrow, August 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. Wear your favorite white ‘fit and enjoy cuisine for the East End, featuring Gurney’s own chefs. Sip cocktails, beer, and wine, and dance the night away. Purchase tickets at danstaste.com.