New Miami Open nets delicious food choices for the fifth major

As the Miami Open moves to its new home, Hard Rock Stadium, the star studded tennis tournament, scores a huge win with impeccable food and beverage options.

The Miami Open is looking to be the hottest ticket in South Florida. As the “fifth major” moves to the entertainment destination, Hard Rock Stadium, this year’s tournament looks to the Southern Florida vibe to influence both the atmosphere and the food choices. While the action on the court will be hot, the food and beverages will score with fans.

Often tennis tournaments aren’t necessarily associated with food. While Wimbledon will always have its strawberries and cream and Pimms, other major tournaments may not focus on food.

Still, sports fans are becoming more food savvy. The traditional, old school stadium fare doesn’t represent what fans want or what companies are willing to provide. Today’s options represent chef-driven, restaurant quality cuisine that can be eaten while catching all the on the court action.

South Florida offers a cacophony of flavors, cultures and personalities. Just like the tennis tour, the combination of these influences make the area vibrant. For this year’s tour stop, Hard Rock Stadium wanted to embrace that vivacity in all its food and beverage offerings.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL- Center Plate and various food vendors display food for a photo shoot at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL (Miami Dolphins)

Centerplate has carefully curated a wide variety of food and beverage options for this year’s tournament. At its various locations, the company always tries to balance local flavors, hometown favorites and unique experiences. According to Kevin Mitchell, Vice President, Centerplate, “(f)or the Miami Open, Centerplate has been working closely with the Hard Rock Stadium team to curate a best-in-class food and beverage experience.”

Specifically looking at some of the special food choices, the nod to South Florida food scene is clear. Chef Dayanny de la Cruz said, “(o)ur goal is to present a food and beverage program that authentically captures the true taste of South Florida.”

The taste of South Florida offers a very diverse flavor profile. From Cuban influences to fresh seafood, these menu options are worthy of a tasting plate at South Beach Wine and Food Festival. South Florida knows its food and expects elevated, nuanced dishes.

Some of the top choices from this year’s Miami Open menu are:

"Watermelon and Tomatillo Salad: local watermelon, queso blanco, mini red onions, local Florida avocados, honey jalapeño dressingMojo Pork Belly Masitas: crispy pork belly chunks glazed with guava barbecue sauce, served with plantains and topped with queso frescoRosemary Steakhouse Tenderloin: black pepper seared and chilled tenderloin, red onions, Teena’s Pride heirloom tomatoes, horseradish aioli, petite arugula and pan de quesoSignature Cubano Sausage: housemade spicy onion and bacon relish, cilantro on a soft bun with yucca friesSeared Yellowtail Snapper: curry confit, carrots and pomme soufflé potatoes"

MIAMI GARDENS, FL- Center Plate and various food vendors display food for a photo shoot at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL (Miami Dolphins)

Looking at these choices, the nod to local Florida ingredients is clear. From Florida avocados to heirloom tomatoes, the flavor that these ingredients provide should be delightful. Locally sourced ingredients always add a freshness to a dish.

Overall, these dishes go big on flavor. The spice levels might be strong, but they are still approachable. Adding hints of queso blanco cools the palate and allows you to go back bite after bite.

The choices of ingredients and flavors shows that the South Florida area is willing to experiment. Guava barbecue sauce should be a huge hit in the Miami area. The same will be said of the yucca fries. Overall, there is a conscious choice to be internationally inclusive.

Lastly, these dishes are very nuanced. The layers of flavors and ingredients should create a very composed bite. Centerplate and the Hard Rock Stadium definitely served up a smash menu.

If you are lucky enough to go to the Miami Open, definitely make time to explore all these delicious dishes. The action on court will be hot, but so is the action on the plate.