Masaharu Morimoto

The US Open kicks off on Monday in New York City at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, but before it all takes place, we kicked off the highly anticipated sporting event at Citi Taste of Tennis. Taste of Tennis is a one of a kind experience. Partygoers and sports enthusiasts are given the pleasure of mingling with a slew of Tennis stars and celebrities while enjoying delicious sample sized eats from New York City’s most prestigious restaurants and specialty cocktails, beer, and wine. Citi Taste of Tennis took place at the W New York hotel. Notables at the event included Venus Williams, Sam Querey, Nick Kyrgios, Alexander Zverev Jr, Feliciano Lopez, Masaharu Morimoto, Jonathan Waxman, and Karen Khachanov, to name a few.

Citi Taste of Tennis NYC is coming back to NYC. This time around is Masaharu Morimoto –the Iron Chef, James Beard Award winner, and Citigold Lounge Host – will lead the roster of world class culinary masterminds for Citi Taste of Tennis’ 18^thyear. Citi Taste of Tennis is an unparalleled Food and Tennis Experience produced by AYS that will take place at W New York on Thursday, August 24^th. Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer will be hosting this year’s soiree, where NYC’s top chefs will showcase their culinary skills with some of world’s best tennis players serving the attendees. The Citi sponsored event, it sure to be one to remember.

“After 3 successful years of partnership, we are excited this year to become the title sponsor of Citi Taste of Tennis New York, a marquee event in one of our most important markets” says Will Howle, Citi U.S. Retail Banking President. “New Yorkers are passionate about their goals and dreams and they work hard to make it here. Citi is glad to be a partner on that journey.”

Serving first at Citi Taste of Tennis is Dynamic Duo Bob and Mike Bryan, who will be facing off in a Sushi Challenge alongside Morimoto during the exclusive VIP hour. The appetizing affair then begins at 7:00 p.m.when guests will enjoy tastings from leading chefs, sip on signature cocktails, and escape to destination-themed lounges. The Citi Taste of Tennis is a one-of-a-kind experience where guests have watched Rafael Nadal fry catfish, been served tacos by Genie Bouchard, and danced with Venus Williams at the DJ booth.

Alongside Morimoto, the impressive lineup of notable chefs at the main event this year includes:

Andre Fowles (Miss Lily’s)
Andy D’Amico (5 Napkin Burger)
Antoine Westermann (Le Coq Rico)
April Bloomfield (Salvation Taco, Salvation Burger)
Catherine Medrano (Regency Bar & Grill)
Eleazar Estrada (Pampano)
Frances Tariga (Megu)
Istvan Toth (Davio’s)
John Mooney (Bell, Book & Candle)
Jonathan Waxman (Barbuto)
Judy Joo (Jinjuu)
Kerry Heffernan (Grand Banks)
Oliver Lange (Zuma)
Roxanne Spruance (Kingsley)
Seamus Mullen (Lifeway)
Timon Balloo (SUGARCANE raw bar grill)

The fun will continue at Citi Taste of Tennis After Dark, a delectable dessert-tasting experience in the CitiGold Lounge from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Citi Taste of Tennis After Dark will be hosted by Wendy Israel from Treat House. Ticketholders will indulge treats from vendors like Wowfulls, I CE NY and Cookie DO, dessert drinks, and the company of top tennis players who also have a sweet tooth.

Premier event sponsors include Citibank, Jamaica Tourist Board, Etihad Airways, Genesis Long Island City, Lifeway Foods, Campari America, Tropical Cheese Industries, Voss, Chef Works, and Volkl Tennis. Wellness In The Schools stands as the event’s non-profit partner.

For more information or to purchase tickets to Citi Taste of Tennis please visit http://www.cititasteoftennis.com.

Masaharu Morimoto

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