9th Annual BNP Paribas Taste of TennisCall it a super match: the worldâs top tennis players and chefs dished up outstanding fare at the official kickoff party for the U.S. Open â and the fans were in heaven, especially after sipping some of the hippest rum cocktails in the world.
The venue, for the ninth year in a row, was the W Hotel in New York. The lineup included, among others, tennis superstars Andy Roddick, James Blake, Jelena Jankovic and Lleyton Hewitt and guest chefs Ingrid Hoffman from the Food Network, Alfred Portale from the Gotham Bar & Grill and Brian Young from Tavern on the Green.
Rums of Puerto Rico, the exclusive spirit sponsor for the event, served signature drinks designed by ârumellierâ Marcos Mercado at a tropical âRum Court.â Ace, Love 40, Break Point and Mixed Doubles took on spirited new meaning as they were swooped up by the crowds.
The cocktails were paired with dishes created by chefs Wilo Benet of Pikayo restaurant and Mario Pagan of Chayote restaurant, both in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
