Bobby Flay’s Latest and Greatest Restaurants

Bobby Flay has been a Food Network fan-favorite for years. In part, it is because of his down-to-earth celebrity demeanor. Although he is truly an expert, he never appears to know everything about everything and that always makes for a likable celebrity. Men and women love him because he goes out of his way to create a strong rapport with both genders. His shows, Grill It!, Throwdown and Dinner Battle – among others – have invited audiences in for years. He’s been a contender on Iron Chef and Throwdownand although he battles for the win each time, he never appears to be downtrodden when he loses to other chefs or cooks. Another very sweet and humble quality.

Flay actually dropped out of high school to work in a pizza parlor. By the time he was 17, he was a cook at Joe Allen’s, a popular restaurant in New York’s theater district. He followed that up with he earned the “Outstanding Graduate Award” at the French Culinary Institute in 1993. After that he worked as several popular restaurants in New York until he developed his own unique style of southwestern creations. The rest is history.

Today Flay is married to gorgeous actress Stephanie March, has a home in East Hampton, apartment in Manhattan and several successful restaurants and products. We think he has created a fulfilling and love-filled life on many levels and applaud his tenacity for following his dreams.

We recommend all of Flay’s restaurants for their originality, atmosphere and menus so if you are ever in the vicinity of one of them, treat yourself! Of course, make a reservation first as they are all generally crowded and booked.

1. Gato –  New Mediterranean Restaurant in New York

This 3,640-square-foot restaurant is located on Lafayette Street in Manhattan and boasts seating for 117. The menu is Flay’s version of Mediterranean, which includes tastes from Italy, Spain, France and Greece. The decor is designed to feel like a Mediterranean village and includes a 12-seat lounge and 20-seat bar area. The restaurant, which officially opened in March, is still in the process of a soft opening, but we’re sure it’s going to be a hit. The menu includes scrumptious items like: Scrambled Eggs with almond remesco,  Lamb-Sausage Pizza, Crab Risotto, Steamed Halibut with Couscous in a saffron-tomato broth and other delicate Flay creations.

2. Mesa Grill – Las Vegas and Bahamas

There are now a couple of Mesa Grills. One is located at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and the other at The Cove Atlantis hotel in Paradise Island (Bahamas). Bobby’s first Mesa Grill restaurant was opened in New York in 1991 and closed its doors in August 2013 due to declining sales. Both Mesa Grill restaurants offer Bobby’s signature southwestern cuisine, which always includes his own personal twist. An example of one of his more unusual creations is Rough Cut Tuna Nachos, as seen in the photo above – sort of a do-it-yourself plate.

3. Bar Americain – New York and Connecticut

The New York Bar Americain has been Flay’s brasserie extraordinaire in midtown Manhattan since 2005.  He has since opened another in Uncasville, CT. It’s not surprising both locations are thriving. The menu is considered regional American and includes such savories as Spice-rubbed steaks, Cast Iron Chicken Cutlets, Steamed Lobster and more – all with the Chef Bobby Flay twist. The photo is a shot of a light and satisfying appetizer with Deviled Eggs and Pickled Shrimp Remoulade. The dining rooms are spacious and allow room in between tables which offers the ability to talk without shouting.

4. Bobby Flay Steak – New Jersey

Bobby Flay Steak is located at The Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This is Bobby’s first real steakhouse, of course with Flay’s special techniques ans signature twists. This 11,000-square foot eatery fuses modern with natural to give the interior a warm, cozy and vibrant feel. Although it is a steakhouse, the menu includes lobster treats from the Lobster Bar, such as a Chilled Lobster-Avocado Cocktail or Surf & Turf Skewers. Of course, most diners are there to try the steak specialties such as the Filet Mignon Louisiana which is splashed with a Bernaise sauce and crawfish. Or for a real treat,  try the Kobe Strip Steak or Porterhouse Lamb Chops. We’re pretty sure nothing on the menu will disappoint.

5. Bobby’s Burger Palace – Burger Chain in Over 11 States

Bobby’s Burger Palace is a healthy chain of burger restaurants spread across 11 states, mostly in the eastern U.S.  The menu is filled with burger specialties such as the Philadelphia (provolone, grilled onions, hot peppers) and the Vegas (American cheese, Fresno chilies and BBQ crunch). Flay claims ownership to the Crunchburger – which is nothing more than adding potato There are over 10 milkshakes and some of them are spiked, such as the Vanilla Caramel Bourbon (sounds delicious) and the Mocha Kahlua Vodka (yum). Typical for the Flay twist, the regular French fries are served with a barbecue fry sauce.