CMstory+photography by Jorge Perezchica
Tennis enthusiasts and foodies alike are eagerly anticipating the return of Citi Taste of Tennis to Indian Wells, California, on March 4, 2024, hosted at the picturesque Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Spa. This event, a celebration of culinary excellence and tennis culture, promises an unforgettable experience for attendees, featuring renowned Chef Angelo Sosa alongside a lineup of Coachella Valley’s leading chefs and tennis stars including Stefanos Tsitsipas, Paula Badosa, and Alexander Zverev.
Adding to the mix this year, Coachella Valley-based artist, muralist, and award-winning filmmaker, Tysen Knight, will be joining Taste of Tennis Indian Wells for a live art installation. The event will also feature music brought to you by Jared Harper and hosted by Nick Monroe, Tennis Channel commentator.
Meet Chef Omar Salinas
Ahead of the event, we had the pleasure of meeting Chef Omar Salinas, the executive chef at Hyatt Indian Wells, who brings nearly a decade of culinary expertise and a passion for blending Texan roots with global flavors to the table. With his depth of experience ranging from Michelin-starred kitchens to the desert oasis, Chef Omar is set to tantalize taste buds at Taste of Tennis 2024.
In our interview, Chef Omar shared insights into his culinary background and preparations for the upcoming event. Reflecting on his upbringing, Chef Omar fondly recalls the family gatherings centered around cooking, where food served as a catalyst for togetherness and celebration. He reminisced, “Whenever it was a holiday or a special occasion, we would always come up with a menu and it was always an ordeal ’cause everyone was cooking in the kitchen and just being together.”
His first foray into the professional kitchen was at a pizzeria, igniting his love for crafting dishes from scratch. “My first introduction in a professional kitchen was actually at a pizzeria,” he recounted. “We would make our own dough, make our own sauces. And I just loved the aspect of it where you would just cook everything from scratch, and I just loved it from then on.”
Taste of Tennis 2024 Menu Preview
At Taste of Tennis 2024, Chef Omar’s role extends beyond the kitchen as he collaborates with local chefs and orchestrates a seamless culinary experience for attendees. Drawing inspiration from his travels and cultural influences, Chef Omar approaches dish creation with a blend of creativity and authenticity, aiming to evoke memories and delight palates with each bite.
Offering a sneak peek into this year’s menu, Chef Omar tantalizes with descriptions of coconut ceviche featuring grilled scallops, poached prawns, and citrus-cured mahi in a refreshing coconut broth, as well as shawarma-spiced leg of lamb grilled to perfection and served with chimichurri and pita bread.
The Countdown Begins
As Taste of Tennis approaches, Chef Omar’s enthusiasm is palpable as he eagerly awaits the opportunity to showcase his culinary artistry and create memorable experiences for attendees. With a commitment to excellence and a genuine love for his craft, Chef Omar embodies the spirit of Taste of Tennis, where the love for food and tennis converge to celebrate the best of both worlds.
When asked to describe himself in three words, Chef Omar chooses “creative, passionate, and kind,” traits that undoubtedly shine through in his culinary creations and interactions with guests. He expressed,
“I love seeing the people’s reactions when they taste our food that we’re preparing and cooking and being able to see their face when they light up.”
Creating Memorable Experiences
For those attending Taste of Tennis 2024, Chef Omar hopes to leave a lasting impression, inspiring guests to return year after year in anticipation of yet another culinary-meets-tennis adventure. In the end, it’s the people and their shared appreciation for food and community that truly make the experience unforgettable.
TICKETS: Citi Taste of Tennis
LOCATION: Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Spa