Going In Style, The US Open

Tennis fans have literally hundreds of accommodations options at their disposal. The majority of fans opt to stay in Manhattan and take the convenient subway into its neighboring borough Queens for the tennis festivities. Upon retuning to the city after their day at the Open, they face the pleasant dilemma of picking a restaurant for dinner. Of course, many of the world's greatest chefs perform their craft in Manhattan at some of the most renowned restaurants to be found anywhere.

Those who desire an upscale New York City experience would be well advised to choose the JW Marriott Essex House. Since opening its doors in 1931, the hotel has served as an iconic Central Park hotel, delivering exceptional experiences for its guests. This luxury New York hotel welcomes tennis fans with contemporary guestrooms and suites – many affording views of Central Park – that offer distinctive amenities and the latest in technology. The inspiring location is in the cultural center of New York City. Part of the National Trust, this luxury New York hotel is a work of art where guests may admire ornate gilded doors, rich wood paneling and a Beaux Arts Grand Salon replete with chandeliers, murals and a private entrance, creating an indulgent setting for the discerning traveler.

JW Marriott Essex House lobby

The hotel's South Gate Restaurant & Bar is ideal for cocktails in the park-front bar and tavern or choose a gourmet meal in the elegant dining room which offers a memorable New York dining experience. Patrons are seated near the huge windows overlooking Central Park or can dine fireside surrounded by mirrors that reflect the passing horse carriages. An impressive and varied selection of 650 notable wines will please even the sommelier within your group.

Nestled in Manhattan's Upper East Side, The Surrey Hotel is both a familiar destination and an unexpected delight. Guests are provided authentic service, cultural inspiration and singular experiences at every visit. Exceptional moments at The Surrey extend well beyond your accommodations. Whether you prefer indulging in a relaxing massage at Cornelia Spa or dining at your favorite table at Cafe Boulud, personality and personal preferences inform the service from the moment you make your reservation. Built in 1926, as a residence hotel, the original Surrey was home to many of New York's most eccentric celebrities over the years. The Surrey salons are highlighted by classic character and charm and include hand-painted wardrobes, oversized desks with built-in vanities and tranquil sitting areas. Select salons feature fireplaces, private terraces and soaking tubs.

The Surrey is the original home of famed chef Daniel Boulud's first New York City restaurant, Daniel. In 1998, the space was relaunched as Café Boulud with a menu guided by the chef's contemporary approach to classic French cuisine and his flair for seasonal delicacies and worldly flavors. Helmed by Executive Chef Gavin Kaysen, the menu reflects Daniel Boulud's four muses: La Tradition (French tradition), La Saison (seasonal cooking), Le Potager (the vegetable garden) and Le Voyage (culinary travels). The dining room transports guests to a cosmopolitan Parisian rendezvous and is both a destination and a neighborhood gem for casually elegant dining, seasonal wine tasting dinners and a delectable Sunday Brunch. Guests of the hotel will enjoy 24-hour, in-salon dining by Café Boulud. Daniel Boulud's Bar Pleiades is located on the lobby-level of The Surrey. Named in homage to a beloved French restaurant frequented by the art world's elite in the 1970s and 80s, Bar Pleiades serves signature cocktails by mixologist Cameron Bogue. The bar is framed by a black lacquered wood box with white lacquer inlay and references a Chanel makeup compact. French doors and mirrors outline the lounge, where an L-shaped banquette invites seclusion in intimate spaces surrounded by beige quilted, Chanel handbag-inspired walls and seating covered in white shark skin.

As you watch the sun descend upon New York's skyline, the seasonal private Roof Garden at The Surrey provides a memorable vista for an evening under the stars. Perched peacefully on the 17th floor overlooking the Upper East Side and Central Park, the 2,200-square-foot English Rooftop Garden is intended to feel hidden with manicured boxwoods and ivy trailing over wrought iron tables and chairs. Lounge seating and sofas are set at the corners of the terrace like individual garden rooms, seating up to 40 patrons. Accessible only to hotel guests and select members of the neighborhood, the Rooftop Garden is a setting for relaxing, a romantic evening, or for business. It features butler service for beverages and light meals by Café Boulud with servers uniformed in UK designer Reiss fashions. A tranquil, elegant setting, the Roof Garden is the ultimate retreat. Guests can delight in the hotel's signature libations, such as the Muddled Lemonade with your choice of fruits, herbs, spices, and liquors.



Dining in Manhattan is always a treat. However, Trattoria L'incontro in Queens, not far from the site of the US Open, is well known by locals as one of the finest restaurants in the borough, if not the entire city. It features high ceilings, hand painted murals and an open brick oven in the dining room. The cuisine is a combination of traditional classics and innovative fare. All of the dishes are prepared with an emphasis on using on the freshest, prime ingredients, keeping the integrity of traditional dishes while incorporating a new style, with the focus always on taste.

Lunch time has bright and airy feel. In nice weather the French doors across the front of the restaurant are open wide. Night time, the bright lights of this bustling trattoria give way to a soft candle lit room that affords a romantic air, even with a full house and the hustle of waiters and bus boys. In fact, many proposals take place here. Reservations are a must at night. Appetizers are important to stimulate one's appetite. From a very tender smoky grilled octopus or one of the chef's specials such as a thinly sliced seared blue marlin prepared with a blend of spices and served with a persimmon coulis, it's the perfect way to begin your dining experience. Homemade pastas are always a favorite with tennis fans who head to the nearby restaurant after the matches. A must try is Trattoria L'incontro's signature dish, Mezza Luna Ravioli - pasta stuffed with mascarpone cheese and pesto, served with an asparagus, brandy and walnut sauce. Traditional pasta dishes such as homemade spaghetti with perfectly seasoned sauce and meatballs are always available. For those seeking something a bit different, the chef will always have a surprise on hand from a Beef Cheek Stew to seasonal game or Orata al Sale - Mediterranean Sea bass prepared with special spices, encrusted in sea salt and cooked in the wood-fired brick oven.

Held this year from Aug. 26 to Sept. 9, the US Open is a "must see" event for anyone who considers themselves a sports fan. It combines the best that New York City has to offer and affords people the opportunity to catch a glimpse of their favorite players, either during a day or night match. However, no trip to the US Open is complete without experiencing all that the Big Apple has to offer, both on and off the courts.