Bobby Flay Biography

Bobby Flay’s versatility is evident in the multiple talents he brings to the field as a chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and media personality.

Bobby discovered his culinary identity at the age of 17, working as a cook at the famed theatre district haunt Joe Allen’s. The job had been arranged by his father, who was a partner in the restaurant. After a short time, Joe Allen himself became so impressed by Bobby’s talents that he paid the young cook’s tuition to the French Culinary Institute.

Following his graduation in 1984, Bobby worked with restaurateur/owner Jonathan Waxman at Buds and Jams, where he first discovered the sweet heat of Southwestern ingredients.

Bobby brought his unique amalgam of innovative food and inviting hospitality to Las Vegas with the 2004 opening of Mesa Grill at the legendary Caesars Palace. The city’s upbeat urban energy provides an ideal backdrop for Mesa Grill’s lively cuisine.

At New York’s Bar Americain, which opened in March 2005, Bobby takes the intimacy of a midtown brasserie and injects it with authentic American flavors and style. Drawn exclusively from regional American ingredients, his dishes rejuvenate old classics and celebrate the abundance of America’s diverse and delicious heritage. Bar Americain has received rave reviews from the press, including two stars from The New York Times.

Bobby also shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for food through his cookbooks and cooking programs. His ninth cookbook, Bobby Flay’s Burgers, Fries and Shakes (Clarkson Potter), hit bookstores in April 2009, and Bobby Flay’s Throwdown! (Clarkson Potter), the companion to the popular primetime series featuring recipes from both Bobby and his challengers, was released on October 2010.

Since debuting on Food Network in 1994, Bobby has continuously hosted programs that bring cooking tips and information on American regional fare to a national audience. His first show, Grillin’ & Chillin’, premiered in 1996, followed by Hot Off the Grill in 1998 and Boy Meets Grill in 2003. Along with participating in many holiday and seasonal Food Network specials over the years, Bobby currently stars on Iron Chef America (premiered 2005), Throwdown with Bobby Flay (premiered 2006), Grill It! with Bobby Flay and Food Network Star (both premiered 2008). In fall 2010, Bobby expanded his television presence to Food Network’s sister network Cooking Channel with the debut of Brunch @ Bobby’s. Bobby works tirelessly to challenge the way Americans view and taste food — making it bold, zesty and always fun.