ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

Antigua and Barbuda took center stage at the 25th anniversary of Taste of Tennis on August 21, delighting guests with bold island flavors, English Harbour Rum tastings, and an exclusive prize giveaway to the award-winning Carlisle Bay Resort.

The event, held at Aqua New York in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, drew a star-studded lineup of celebrities and tennis champions including Genie Bouchard, Sloane Stephens, Vicky Mboko, Elena Rybakina, Chris Eubanks, Jordan Thompson, Jelena Ostapenko,Nishesh Basavareddy and more, all gathered to celebrate the official kickoff to the U.S. Open.

The Antigua and Barbuda booth was a major draw, attracting a steady stream of visitors, including acclaimed movie and television star Leon Robinson, known for his iconic roles in Waiting to Exhale, Cool Runnings, The Five Heartbeats, and the award-winning mini-series The Temptations.

Representing Antigua and Barbuda was Chef Claude Lewis, a Chopped champion and proud son of Antiguan parents, who crafted a menu that showcased the islands’ culinary heritage with a contemporary twist. Guests indulged in a curated tasting experience that brought the spirit of the twin-island nation—and the Caribbean itself—to New York City.

Highlights from Antigua & Barbuda’s Taste of Tennis Menu included:

   Jerk Chicken & Waffle Skewer – Jerk-marinated chicken paired with crisp mini plantain waffles, finished with a drizzle of vanilla maple glaze.
    
   Panko-Crusted Fungee Bites with Scotch Bonnet Rémoulade – Golden cornmeal and okra bites served with a creamy, spicy rémoulade.
    
   Spiced Rum Cake Squares – Moist spiced cake with nutmeg and cinnamon, topped with whipped caramel cream cheese.
    
   Goat Water with Fresh Thyme & Roti Crumble – Traditional goat stew presented in shooter glasses with crispy roti shards.

Guests also enjoyed premium tastings of English Harbour Rum, Antigua and Barbuda’s renowned spirit, further elevating the island-inspired culinary journey.

“Taste of Tennis was an incredible opportunity to showcase the soul of Antigua and Barbuda—our bold flavors, rich culture, and elevated travel experiences,” said Dean Fenton, U.S. Director of Tourism for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “From Chef Claude’s inspired dishes and English Harbour Rum tastings to our Carlisle Bay giveaway, guests were treated to a truly authentic taste of paradise—just a preview of what’s to come during Antigua and Barbuda’s Culinary Month next May. With signature events like Restaurant Week, the new Food, Art & Beverage Festival, and our beloved Eat Like A Local experience, we’re ready to welcome travelers with unforgettable culinary journeys across our islands.”

Celebrating Tennis in Paradise
As part of its sponsorship, Antigua and Barbuda spotlighted Carlisle Bay Antigua, an oceanfront luxury resort renowned for its championship tennis facilities and five-star amenities. One lucky guest walked away with an exclusive stay at Carlisle Bay, underscoring the destination’s growing appeal as a premier tennis and wellness travel escape.

Antigua and Barbuda continues to strengthen its reputation as a hub for racquet sports enthusiasts—including pickleball—with resorts such as Curtain Bluff, Blue Waters, Jumby Bay, and St. James’s Club offering tennis clinics, retreats, and annual tournaments set against the backdrop of stunning Caribbean scenery.

Taste of Tennis 2025 proved to be the perfect platform for Antigua and Barbuda to showcase its 365 beaches, dynamic culinary traditions, luxury resorts, and year-round tennis offerings to an international audience of tastemakers, food lovers, and sports fans.