Making its triumphant return to the pro-tennis circuit, Citi Taste of Tennis was held on March 7 at theHyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa Eats to kick off the BNP Paribas Open.The eventincluded anall-star lineup of chefs and tennis stars such as James Beard Award Winning Chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (Jon & Vinny’s), 3-Time Grand Slam Champion Lindsay Davenport and 2022 Australian Open Men’s Doubles Champ Nick Kyrgios.
As a premier lifestyle event on the tennis tour, Citi’s Taste of Tennis offered foodies and tennis fans an evening of incredible cuisine prepared by top local chefs and “served” by the top professional tennis players. Menu highlights included prime filet oscar crostini by Nestor Ruiz of LG’s Steakhouse, poblano lamb chops courtesy of Eric LeClair from Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, white lightening pizza from Jon & Vinny’s, toffee ice cream from Brandini Toffee, and so much more. Guest also enjoyed a selection of fine wine from Catena Zapata and sipped signature cocktails from VOSS Water, Willo Farms and Tequila Herradura.
With a heightened focus this year on supporting businesses that have endured throughout the pandemic, Citi Taste of Tennis is putting the spotlight on a curated lineup of local chefs and restaurants including: Nestor Ruiz – LG’s Steakhouse; Hervé Glin – Parker at PGA West; Brandon Weimer – Brandini Toffee; Andie Hubka – Cork & Fork; Gladis Lizarraga – Wildest; Claudio Marfia – Il Corso; Phillip Caupain – Si Bon; and Eric LeClair – Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.
The festivities also included a cooking demonstration by chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, who taught tennis pro Nick Kyrgios how to make vodka sauce. Other pro tennis players in attendance incuded Sloane Stephens, Belinda Bencic, Irina Bara, Gaby Dabrowski, Miomir Kecmanovic, Andreja Klepec, Desirae Krawczyk, Ann Li, Robert Lindstedt, Shelby Rogers and more!
A portion of the proceeds raised at Citi Taste of Tennis benefited the Harper For Kids, whose mission is to teach children important life skills that will empower them to achieve their personal best in life.
If you’re traveling from out of town and planning to attend the BNP Paribas Open now through March 20 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, then stay at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage, a bustling hotel and casino with so much to do that you might forget to leave the resort. Spend your days lounging by the pool, indulging in spa services or playing blackjack between tournament rounds.
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
Photo Credit, Marselle Washington, Rev-Engine and Courtesy of Taste of Tennis
