The Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black Golf Course is not just a showcase of golfing talent; it’s also a culinary experience that guests won’t soon forget. High-profile attendees, including celebrities and political figures like President Trump, are indulging in a taste of Long Island amidst the golf action. The venue’s converted clubhouse and exclusive Heritage Club event space have been designed to cater to the refined palates of about 1,200 to 1,300 guests daily.
The elaborate catering operations, masterminded by Lessings, feature a selection of luxury dishes that have become a hit among the guests. According to Eddie Michaels, the corporate chef, the carving station offering lamb, turkey, and flank steak is particularly popular, with guests like Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, and Michael Jordan eagerly indulging. The culinary team has also prepared several thousand pounds of chicken and lavish cuts of beef, including tomahawk steaks and Wagyu strip loin, to satisfy the demands.
Complementing the meaty offerings, a comprehensive seafood bar features lobster towers, crab claws, local oysters, and bluefin tuna. The elite team of 30 chefs, some flown in from international locations, begins their day as early as 3:30 a.m., delivering a breakfast spread ready for the day’s early risers.
Some attendees are indulging in a notably premium experience, with the newly created Metropolitan Lounge offering an ultra-exclusive experience for a hefty $40,000 for the weekend. Despite Team America’s sobering performance in the tournament, spirits remain high with a variety of beers, Clase Azul tequila, and a selection of prestigious wines that include French Bordeauxs and Italian Barolos.
In a nod to New York’s rich culinary heritage, the event’s buffet offers European delicacies alongside authentic New York flavors such as Lower East Side-style pastrami and Bronx-Italian sandwiches. As Billy Lodato, director of catering operations at Lessings, puts it, “Good food is good food,” offering a delicious taste of New York to international guests.
The Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is thus not only about the sport but also about delivering an unmatched culinary journey, providing guests with a true experience of New York hospitality amidst the backdrop of one of golf’s prestigious events.