New Traditions Born in Milestone Culinary Lineup Featuring Four Michelin-Starred Chefs
The tennis in Rock Creek Park is going to be tastier than ever this summer.
Today, tournament officials announced the culinary offerings that will be available to fans and players at the new Mubadala Citi DC Open and they are off the charts, and at the top of the list, include world-class curated experiences by four Michelin-starred chefs.
To toast the 54th edition of the tournament and a historic new milestone in Washington's Summer Tennis Tradition, the culinary lineup will bring a level of epicurean sophistication that is unprecedented in the world of sports, and once again, feature renowned DC-based chefs José Andrés and Nicholas Stefanelli, along with exciting new additions, chefs Patrick O’Connell and Michael Mina.
“DC’s favorite summer tradition is more than just a chance to watch some of the world’s best tennis players in an exceptional tournament, but also an opportunity to enjoy some of the best food and beverages from across our great city and around the country," said Mubadala Citi DC Open chairman Mark Ein. “This year, we have added some amazing new culinary partners, and are very proud to feature offerings from four award-winning chefs, beloved local restaurants and world-class brands. The Mubadala Citi DC Open celebrates the best of DC and beyond, both on and off the court.”
By now, most DC tennis insiders know the Citi Open recently agreed to combine with the historic Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic to create the Mubadala Citi DC Open, the fifth largest professional tennis event in the United States and the only combined ATP-WTA 500 tennis tournament in the world.
The new combined tournament will take place from July 29 -- August 6 and be held annually at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park, and once again, aim to deliver an unparalleled fan experience, complete with elevated culinary talent, player meet-and-greets, and exciting new concepts and collaborations.
Patrick O'Connell founded Inn at Little Washington in 1978.
Andrés, who has been a staple and culinary signature of the reimaged MDE Tennis experience, will once again showcase his celebrated Spanish cuisine, alongside Maryland native, Stefanelli, who will prepare a selection of Italian delights from his beloved Michelin-starred restaurant Masseria.
O’Connell, whose The Inn At Little Washington holds 3 Michelin Stars, will start a new tradition with his famous truffled popcorn, which will be available throughout the tournament grounds, marking the first time the beloved delicacy has been available at a public event.
Chef Mina, whose flagship Bourbon Steak location at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC has been a local institution since first debuting in 2009, will bring his culinary prowess to the Mubadala Citi DC Open for the first time. Mina recently opened his second DC area concept, The Ridge Club, a private rooftop pool and social club at the City Ridge development, and will showcase its modern American cuisine to tennis fans this summer.
Additionally, returning local favorites Duke’s Grocery, Roaming Rooster, King Street Oyster Bar, and Oro Pizza, will be joined by exciting new addition Taco Bamba, while catering and concessions will be operated by top local caterer Design Cuisine. For dessert, fans will once again enjoy sweets from Dolcezza, Georgetown Cupcake, and Ice Cream Jubilee with the addition of Ladurée’s renowned French macaroons and Van Leeuwen premium ice cream.
For beer and spirts aficionados, Stella Artois will top the list of beverage partners, bringing an exciting new activation to the tournament with a vintage airstream rolling into Rock Creek Park. Elsewhere on the grounds, tequila brand Real Azul will partner with local Taqueria Taco Bamba to create a Real Azul Tequila Lounge, celebrating Mexican street food and premium agave spirits.
Additional partners will include Kim Crawford, Ketel One and Tanqueray, for a full suite of elevated beverage selections throughout the FitzGerald Tennis Center.
On court, the 2023 Mubadala Citi DC Open’s stacked player field already includes 15 early commitments with three top 10 WTA players, three top 10 ATP players, four Grand Slam champions, three former World No. 1’s and four past D.C. champions signed on to compete in the nation’s capital this summer, as well as many fan favorites. Initial ATP player commitments include 2021 US Open champion and World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev, 2019 and 2022 D.C. singles and doubles champion Nick Kyrgios, former World No. 1, three-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Gold Medalist Andy Murray, World No. 8 and 2022 Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz, 2021 US Open semifinalist Felix Auger-Aliassime, World No. 10 and Washington, D.C. native Frances Tiafoe, three-time Grand Slam semifinalist Grigor Dimitrov and 2016 D.C. champion Gael Monfils.
The Washington, D.C. WTA field includes World No. 7 and 2019 D.C. doubles champion Coco Gauff, World No. 5 and 2019 D.C. singles and 2022 doubles champion Jessica Pegula, former World No. 1 and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, World No. 4 and 2022 WTA Finals champion Caroline Garcia, World No. 11 and 2022 San Jose champion Daria Kasatkina, 2017 US Open champion and 2015 D.C. champion Sloane Stephens and former World No. 3 and 2023 Roland Garros quarterfinalist Elina Svitolina.
Single session tickets go on sale on Thursday, June 29th and start at $15. Be the first on line at SeatGeek!
