Quiet, Please: Guilty pleasures everywhere beef up ‘The Grove’ at the 2024 Miami Open

It’s unofficial ‘Cheat Day’ at ‘The Grove’, located next to the Grandstand on the tennis grounds of the 2024 Miami Open (presented by itaú) at Hard Rock Stadium. And that’s where on a recent day even a pair of tennis wonderkids such as Akasha Urhobo and Alem Cole were indulging in everything being served up. 

About a dozen gray patio tables with matching chairs – all buried in soft sand to mimic a day on the beach, perhaps – and swaying white and blue umbrellas, which cut through the mixing blender beat created by a bartender inside a nearby bar, paint the scene on a recent day at ‘The Grove’, one of six standalone food sections at this year’s Miami Open. 

It’s early enough though, even by 305 standards, that things at the bar, outside of a couple of bystanders, are quiet. 

But the distinct aroma of cheese clashing with wood fire coal arises out of the That’s Amore Pizza Food Truck (561-801-4842, www.pizzeriathatsamore.com), while a long line starts to form in front of Monster Burgers (786-326-8501, www.monsterburgers.com), a Colombian hook up known for its unique blend of sauces to sprinkle on your hamburges.

Not to be left out in the cold, a local franchise owner is tucked inside a tricked up, bright red and white Cold Stone Creamery Food Truck (14226 SW 8 Street, Miami, Florida, 33184).  

“Without a doubt, the Oreo cookies ice cream has been very popular with our customers (here at the Miami Open),” said George, when asked what tennis fans have been cooling up with at the tournament. “It’s always a fan favorite.”

A few feet away an elderly man can be heard baiting a female companion to put more cheese on her hamburger. 

“Que le ponga mas queso al tuyo,” he implores in Spanish. “Las dietas son para la gente bonita.”

No matter what language you speak or understand, ‘Cheat Day’ in ‘The Grove’ has officially started, and even the most regimen devoted of ‘beautiful people’ would be envious of 17-year-old tennis phenom Akasha Urhobo on this day.

“It really is ‘Cheat Day’ for us,” said Ft. Lauderdale-bred Urhobo, flashing a wide smile while sipping a smoothie out of a plastic cup and chatting it up with Creighton-bound Alec Cole, who is sitting directly in front of her longtime tennis confidant. “Oreo cookies, plain pizza, more Oreos. I’m getting all of it (today).

On a typical training day, Urhobo, a rising, home-schooled star at ICL Academy, would probably choose a lunch of salmon or chicken with a side of brown rice and steamed vegetables. 

Even her chocolate chip cookie might be sugar free – if her Dad can find one. 

Not today. 

I’m thinking about a little of everything, especially the cheese pizza,” said Urhobo, foaming at the mouth over at the anticipation of eating some of everything. 

“I’m always on a strict diet .. whenever my Dad and Mom are around. I can’t make a move in the kitchen.”

Cole, 17 and born in Montreal, Canada before moving to Ft. Lauderdale with her parents four years ago, joyfully interjects herself into the conversation to let a reporter know she also plays tennis. 

But after a few minutes of detailing her commitment to Creighton, and her flourishing career, she comes back to what a lot of wondering patrons are smelling inside ‘The Grove’ on this day.

“A plain pizza is it for me,” said Cole.  

But Urhobo did offer up a friendly warning. 

“Please … just don’t tell my Dad.”  

Fernie Ruano, a South Florida-based marketing copywriter and content creator who once shared a bag of candy with Maria Sharapova, has written about sports, culture and Latin music for more than two decades. 

A former staff writer at Miami New Times and the Miami Herald, in addition to being an advertising agency utility guy, he is open for smart business at @bet_on_305_fernie 

You’ve been served art installation photo op in the Grove during the Miami Open tennis tournament, Monday, Mar. 18, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Tomás Diniz Santos/South Florida Stadium)

Monster Burger in The Grove during the Miami Open tennis tournament, Saturday, Mar. 23, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Kevin Tubbergen/South Florida Stadium)

Monster Burger in the Grove during the Miami Open tennis tournament, Saturday, Mar. 23, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Ruben Gonzalez/South Florida Stadium)

Cold Stone in the Grove during the Miami Open tennis tournament, Saturday, Mar. 23, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Ruben Gonzalez/South Florida Stadium)

That’s Amore Pizza in The Grove during the Miami Open tennis tournament, Saturday, Mar. 23, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Kevin Tubbergen/South Florida Stadium)