Eating like the Pros—Nathan’s Notice

Written by: Staff on 7th March 2012

Eating like the Pros—Nathan’s Notice |

By: Nathan M. Cuny

There are many surprises here at the BNP Paribas Open, in Indian Wells. Of the surprises one particularly tickled my palate—Lunch. Walking to and fro, from the media room located on the second level of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, I spotted several people down below with tall white hats, and chef’s coats. I began thinking about buffet food, and the distinct mass produced flavor it has, and almost lost my appetite.

Eventually my stomach led me to the dining area, where both media and players alike get a bite to eat. The dining area works off a system where media members and players are allotted a daily amount generally ranging from 10 to 20 dollars. The credentials players and media wear around their necks are scanned when buying the food, much like a gift card, and if you’re low then there’s always cash.

Everything looked and smelled deceptively wonderful, with a variety of choices. You could go to the self-serve Salad Bar, where players often load up with seeds and nuts, atop their veggies. Then there’s the option of the Chef Prepared Salad. Not to forget the Panini area, right beside the chef prepared sandwiches. Then there’s the Carvery, with its big chunks of succulent meat, veggies, and rice or something similar. Ah, but the pasta seems to be a favorite of the players who’ll eat a plate and then another.

As I sat with my own plate of sausage, red pepper, and onion cooked right before my eyes smothered in Alfredo sauce on a bed of noodles I contemplated…deception or exception.

How about exceptional! The food was literally amazing. As was the fruit and yogurt parfait I had on the side, and made myself, for dessert. Much of the food is gluten free, such as the pasta, bread, Popchips, and Lunar Bars, coinciding with the growing gluten awareness. Then there’s your standard soda fountains, and drink bars, along with fridges containing Soymilk, Naked Coconut Water, and Grip’n Go milk. There are treats too, in case you were wondering. Like brownies and Danishes.

Enjoy knowing how your favorite players eat during the BNP Paribas Open, in Indian Wells, while I’ll enjoy eating like them!

Topics: BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells