While bidding farewell to warm weather and the long, lazy days of summer always makes me sad, I eagerly anticipate the early days of fall, for they coincide with one of my favorite events: the U.S. Open. The two-week event starts today, August 26, and continues through September 9. I can’t wait. And it’s not just the tennis I look forward to, but also the Open’s myriad dining options. The United States Tennis Association continues to upgrade the quality of the dining services, and it’s no wonder, as 700,000 guests will attend the event and they need to be fed, and fed well. We got a preview of this year’s good eats, which include a couple of newcomers. Here’s what we recommend:

Food Village:

Signature brisket and Maker’s Mark bourbon pecan pie cup at Hill Country BBQ
The smoked brisket is slathered with a peach chipotle barbeque sauce and sandwiched in a potato bun with pickles. Delectable. And you must not miss the bourbon pecan pie cup! It’s a personal-sized pie that will rock your world.

Chicken torta at Fresca Mexicana
With roasted chicken, chipotle aioli, black bean spread and fresh cilantro, this sandwich is a balance and burst of flavors so delicious and refreshing.

Kale salad at Village Market
This healthy medley of fresh kale, string beans and julienned carrots contains the sweetness of summer in every bite.

Concessions:

Pat LaFrieda steak sandwich at East Gate Grill
For streak lovers, you’ll savor the black angus seared filet mignon topped with Monterey jack cheese, caramelized onions, au jus on a baguette.

To Drink:

Möet & Chandon Brut Impérial

Heineken

Grey Goose Honey Deuce

Notable restaurant offerings include a grilled portobello burger by David Burke at Champions Bar & Grill, the salumi antipasto parmigiano at Tony Mantuano’s Wine Bar Food and a sushi assortment at Masaharu Morimoto’s Aces.