The US Open 2007

I always feel rather guilty at the US Open. Yet another summer has passed without my joining a gym. The young and vigorous run around the tennis court while my stomach growls for lunch. Could I possibly be burning any calories following the ball with my eyes?

At least this year, I can drown my guilt in the mojitos at the perfectly serviceable Mojito Bar & Restaurant (open until Sunday). The Caribbean-influenced food at this temporary restaurant is surprisingly good, especially for the Open. (In the past, I've just filled up on dried-out waffle fries from the outdoor vendors.)

Yesterday, my table ordered the giant yucca fries topped with shredded anejo cheese, perfectly seared salmon served with a corn husk in which nestled corn and crabmeat salad, and a lobster quesadilla filled with big pieces of lobster and decorated with diced mango. Also on the menu were chorizo fritters and a "churrasco" steak sandwich.

Later, I was to regret this big lunch, as I ended up at Bice (7 East 54th St., 212-688-1999) which is a favorite for many players during the Open. Last year, Roger Federer was said to order the four-cheese gnocchi every night. This year, Mardy Fish and Justin Gimelstob have been spotted, but I don't know what they order.

I had the linguini al pesto with string beans and julienned potatoes. Although tennis is just a spectator sport for me, I share one thing in common with the athletes: I carbo-load!

US Open: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, Queens.