My Food Guide to the U.S. Open

With the U.S. Open in full swing, lots of you may be checking out the action in person and taking advantage of this awesome event right in our neck of the woods.  For those of you who are depending on the food court to get your grub on, stop right there and reconsider, as I've put together a quick where to eat guide for you that falls out of bounds of the Billie Jean King Tennis Center.

Tortilleria Nixtamal - The easiest stop over on your way to or from the tennis center, all you have to do is get off at the 103rd street stop on the 7 and bring your appetite.  True that this place is on the intimate side, but you won't be sorry as you indulge in their homemade tortillas used in their famously delicious tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and more.  The tamales are also a big must, and I personally recommend the pork tamale verde.  104-05 47th Avenue, Corona.  718.699.2434

Tuk-Tuk - If you're coming to the Open from the city, stop at the Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue stop on the 7 and hit up this awesome Thai eatery.  Not only is the atmosphere really mod and interesting, the food comes out fast and it's really tasty.  If you'd like to properly sustain yourself before the games, I suggest you get the pineapple duck curry, featuring crispy duck, sweet chunks of pineapple, bathed in a slightly spicy curry broth.  49-06 Vernon Blvd, LIC.  718.472.5598

Czech-Slovak Varieties Store - Paying homage to my Slovak roots, I often stop in at this store to load up on snacks before going to Flushing Meadows.  I stock up on my Slovak sweet treats such as chocolate wafer cookies called Tatranky, Fidorky, all the Kinder I can ever want, chrumky and other native snacks that last me through the games.  If you're just curious to see what they have, don't be afraid to pop in and give them a customary "Dobry Den" greeting (means good day).   10-59 Jackson Avenue, LIC.  718.752.2093

Salt and Fat - Many may have heard of this place but haven't yet had the opportunity to go.  Here's your chance, as it's again right off the 7 train on the 40th Avenue Lowery Street stop.  Like its name suggests, this won't be a light meal, but it's also really memorable, featuring menu items such as Korean BBQ wraps, pork belly buns, a crispy pork trotter and even a foie gras with bacon brittle.  See a pattern here?! That's right...bring on the pig!    41-16 Queens Blvd, Sunnyside.  718.433.3702

New World Mall Food Court - While in Flushing, I urge you to take advantage of all the culinary wonders that it provides, including the fabulous food courts at the big malls.  One of these is the New World Mall food court, which is just enormous and super affordable.  From sweet red bean sesame buns to savory pork ones, surf and turf stir fry made before your eyes, and desserts such as all the tangy bubble tea you can drink, this is a true gem and a culinary Mecca.  40-21 Main Street, Flushing.  718.353.0551

Hope you get to try some of these eats, and if you have other suggestions, I'm all ears. Enjoy the games!