Chefs ace new menu at BNP Paribas Open

Forget the “food court food.”

The BNP Paribas Open has raised its stakes with new “Gourmet Eats” this year, that even brought celebrity chefs out to Indian Wells.

Pass on the peanuts and make way for some pork…

“We have our carnitas tacos with fresh pressed corn tacos, and here, there’s always room for churros,” said Chef Ray Garcia of the Los Angeles-based B.S. Taqueria.

Celebrity chefs brought their signature dishes to the kitchen of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Breaking bread and tennis balls with some of the desert’s iconic restaurateurs.

“They built us a concession here that is just unbelievable. The best equipment, the best pieces,” said Sam Harris, of Sherman’s Deli & Bakery.

The duo behind Sherman’s deli and bakery serving up their famous Reuben Sandwich at the BNP for the first time and Piero’s Pizzavino is expanding its offerings at the open.

“In-stadium one, it’s primarily pizza. In stadium two, the old restaurant is a full sized menu,” said Piero Pierattoni, owner of Piero’s Pizza Vino.

This year’s eatery expansion reflects an overall enhancement at the nation’s fifth largest tennis tournament.

“I think the food and the experience has to match the level of play,” said tournament emcee & Tennis Channel host Andrew Krasny.

Where else could you catch Wolfgang puck flanked by two grand slam champs, showing off dessert shaped like a tennis ball? Or Nobu Matsuhisa himself doling out some sweet vinegar sauce.

“We’ve got healthy food, we’ve got salads, we’ve got dried fruit. Every single food group and every single diet is addressed at this tournament,” said Krasny.

And that does include peanuts and popcorn. But the popcorn will come from gourmet snack stand Popcornopolis.

Officials with the tournament say they have more than 21 new food options this year.