What's new at the Miami Open: More shade, new food vendors
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Cafe La Trova (left) and Tacos Atarantados are new to the Miami Open this year. Photos: Courtesy of Miami Open
The Miami Open kicked off this week with new culinary offerings, shaded space and family-friendly activities to complement the world-class tennis on display.
The big picture: For tournament organizers, having top-notch food and beverage menus is just as important as having star players, as the tournament seeks to entertain both casual and die-hard tennis fans.
Driving the news: Match play officially began Monday after Sunday's opening-day program was rained out.
- The tournament, played at Hard Rock Stadium and its surrounding campus, runs through March 29.
What's new: On the culinary side, newcomers joining an already stacked F&B lineup include Tacos Atarantados, Chug's Diner, The Salty Donut, Café La Trova, Ophelia, Barceloneta, Chevre, Café Lacoste and Cowy Burger.
- For families, the Rally Room Arcade features a custom dirty soda bar for kids to request strange-flavored drinks and play classic arcade games.
- The Pro Padel League Experience at Publix Padel Park is also offering free open play and padel clinics.
State of plate: I attended a media preview Monday and got to try everything from the $100 hot dog to a Parmigiano-Reggiano ice cream.
- After reading Sommer's review of Chevre's viral Golden Glizzy, I had to try it for myself. It was a solid frank, but despite the wagyu and the caviar, it definitely wasn't worth $100.
- At Chug's Diner on the Butch Buchholz Court Viewing Deck, I tried the fried yuca balls ($12), which were the perfect little bite, especially with the green goddess sauce.
- At Café Lacoste, I tried the $10 Croco Waffle, a hand-held breakfast treat available with a chocolate drizzle. I would recommend pairing it with coffee.
- Parmigiano Reggiano, the official cheese of the Miami Open, fuses the flavors of Italy and Miami with dishes like the Pan de Queso and CPR Kit — a Cuban sandwich with Parmesan chips ($18).
- The Pan de Queso ($11) was pretty good, but it's better without the spicy honey mayo.
- The Parm ice cream ($11) was so weird it was good. That combo of saltiness and refreshing ice cream could be the move to beat the heat.
What they're saying: Miami Open tournament director James Blake told reporters Monday that the Open's move from Key Biscayne to Miami Gardens in 2019 allowed it to expand into a large-scale tennis festival.
- Despite the all-day rain on Sunday, fans still were able to enjoy themselves, he said.
- "Every year, it seems like we add something special, something new."