Once again, Citi Taste of Tennis served up a culinary evening that is hard to match. Gotham Hall was the venue for this year’s much-anticipated event that brings together the culinary and tennis world with leading chefs and top players ahead of the US Open. The one-of-a-kind experience takes place across major cities including Miami, Washington DC, Indian Wells, and London, and concludes in NYC. Created by AYS, a women-owned marketing and events agency founded in 1995, it’s a unique combination not to be missed.
The celebration this year was hosted by Food Network’s Chopped Champion, Founder, and Executive Chef Bao Bao and Former Tennis Player Prakash Amritraj. In attendance were Pro tennis players including Venus Williams, John McEnroe, Belinda Bencic, Sascha Zverev, Ons Jabeur, Noah Rubin, Holger Rune, and more.
Gotham Hall was a dramatic event space with 70-foot ceilings, a glass skylight, and a stunning balcony that overlooked the event. The insanely talented DJ Ravi Drums showed off his skills with live drumming and custom percussion remixes that kept the crowd vibing throughout the evening. To celebrate 50 years of hip-hop there was also a dance-off between talented artists that had everyone surrounding the state.
While of course, the entertainment and tennis stars were a major highlight, the incredible cuisine truly stood out throughout the evening. Fan favorites included Shrimp Carpaccio & Cauliflower & Couscous Tabbouleh courtesy of Chef Alain Allegretti of Fig & Olive, Salt Fish & Shrimp Fregola courtesy of Chef Damian Leach of Barbados Tourism, Gnocchi Bolognese courtesy of Chef Chad Brown of Hunt & Fish Club, and so much more. Everyone quenched their thirst with spot on espresso cocktails from Segafredo Zanetti Coffee, bubbles from Zonin USA, “Voss-Tails” from water brand VOSS, and cocktails from Gin Mare and Chambord. The desserts from Fan Fan Doughnuts and show-stopper Tennis Ball cake from Doc’s Cake Shop not only tasted divine but were Instagram-worthy.
Each year the Taste of Tennis cooks up something unique and it does not disappoint. Be sure to purchase your tickets for the 2024 event in one of the cities!
Featured Chefs
Chef Bao Bao (Baoburg), Chef John Mooney (Bell Book and Candle), Chef Jassi Bindra (Amrina The Woodlands), Chef Sujan Sarkar (Baar Baar), Chef Fany Gerson (Fan Fan Doughnuts), Chef Admir Alibasic (One Rare Italian Steakhouse), Chef Kerry Heffernan (Grand Banks), Chef Jack Logue (The Lambs Club), Chef Chad Brown (Hunt & Fish Club), Chef Doc (Doc’s Cake Shop), Chef Alain Allegretti (Fig & Olive), Chef Shorne Benjamin (St. Lucia Tourism), Chef Ruffo Ibarra (ORYX Restaurante), Chefs Scheyla Acosta and Ann Cashion (Cashion’s Rendezvous), Chef Ryan Hackney (Chaos), Chef MAC & Chef Pinke (Flavorture), Chef Paramjeet Singh Bombra (Gulaabo Timeless Indian), Chef Nick Wang (Amami Bar & Restaurant), Chef Mike Viola (Boar’s Head Premium Deli Products), and Chef Joey Campanaro (The Little Owl).
Sponsors
Citi (Title Sponsor), Zonin USA, Barbados Tourism, Boar’s Head Premium Deli Products, Gin Mare, VOSS, Chambord, Pure Grenada Tourism Authority, Chef Works, Lucky in Love, Sagafredo Zanetti Coffee, Volkl, and Saint Lucia Tourism.