Photo Gallery: With John McEnroe headlining—on the guitar—Citi Taste of Tennis returns to NYC at Tavern on the Green

We may not be in a perfect place, but we're in a much better place than last year. For the purposes of this discussion, let's stick to tennis: the US Open is back with fans, and the traditional culinary precursor to the Open, the Citi Taste of Tennis, returned to Manhattan.

Held at a variety of venues over the years, this year's edition took place at the venerable Tavern on the Green, with its outdoor seating used to full effect: not just for al fresco dining, but as an amphitheater. The headliner? John McEnroe, who alongside daughter Ava played with The Johnny Smyth Band to an appreciative crowd of foodies and players.

There were plenty of high notes on the plates, too, with the event a culmination of a multi-metropolis tour of The Citi Taste of Tennis Food Truck Tour. Starting in Washington, D.C. and ending in the Big Apple, the trucks featured esteemed chefs and some of their favorite dishes. Jassi Bindra (Punjab Grill) John Mooney (Bell, Book & Candle, Bidwell), Fany Gerson (La Newyorkina), Wenford Simpson (The Simpson), Suchanan Aksornnan (Baoburg), John Doherty (Black Barn Restaurant) and Alex Fortini (Tarallucci e Vino) all participated, and contributed to the meal attendees enjoyed.

“The return of Citi Taste of Tennis represents a time for celebration of our beloved cities and sport as we usher in the return of professional tennis,” said Penny Lerner, CEO and Executive Producer of the Citi Taste of Tennis. “We hope to continue offering an unforgettable experience for foodies and tennis fans alike and continue celebrating the city’s return while supporting this incredible group of chefs.”

Here's a look at some of the many players and celebrities who walked down the red carpet, savored and mingled throughout a late-summer New York evening, and celebrated the 50th Anniversary of New York Junior Tennis and Learning (NYJTL).