Vegas Uncork'd presented by Bon Appétit

Bobby Flay

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. It was at these burgeoning restaurants that Bobby met other icons of the era – Wolfgang Puck, Jeremiah Tower – who he credits with spawning an entire generation of chefs. After Jams, Bobby debuted as Executive Chef at the East Village’s Miracle Grill where he caught the attention of restaurateur Jerome Kretchmer. Kretchmer offered the 25-year old the opportunity to create his own sensation at Mesa Grill, which opened in 1991.

Soon after, Bobby teamed with businessman Laurence Kretchmer to open Bolo in November 1993 in the Flatiron district. During Bolo’s reign, Bobby drew inspiration from the bravado and complexities of Spanish food, deftly blending the unique flavors of Spain with more familiar American ingredients. A decade later, its menu reenergized by the introduction of tapas, Bolo was awarded a rare three stars by The New York Times. 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. Drawing 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 Flay Steak, which opened in July 2006 in Atlantic City, is Bobby’s first-ever steakhouse. Here, he presents classic steakhouse fare that he remembers enjoying as a child in New York City and on the Jersey Shore as well as new dishes that incorporate his famous grilling techniques and signature Southwestern fare.

In March 2007, Bobby brought Mesa Grill to The Cove, Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas and in July 2008, Bobby opened his first Bobby’s Burger Palace (BBP) in Long Island. At the BBP, Bobby presents an array of burgers inspired by his extensive travels throughout America and love of the grill in a convenient casual setting. The second outpost of the BBP opened in December 2008 at the Monmouth Mall in New Jersey.

Bobby also shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for food through his cookbooks and cooking programs. Bobby’s ninth cookbook, Bobby Flay’s Burgers, Fries, and Shakes (Clarkson Potter) will hit bookstores in April 2009. 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. He is also the Lifestyle Correspondent for “The Early Show on CBS” and “CBS Sunday Morning,” where he regularly informs a national audience about seasonal dishes and ingredients. Bobby works tirelessly to challenge the way Americans view and taste food – making it bold, zesty and always fun.

Mesa Grill Caesars Palace

Caesars Palace
3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Tel: 702.731.7731

Link: caesarspalace.com

Chef Bobby Flay has brought the vibrant Southwestern cuisine of his nationally-acclaimed flagship restaurant Mesa Grill to Caesars Palace, making this his first restaurant outside of New York City. In March 2005, Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace was named in Bon Appétit magazine among the hottest 50 restaurants in the nation. Two months later, Condé Nast Traveler listed Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace on its Hot Tables list – one of only two Las Vegas restaurants recognized. In the September 2005 issue of Bon Appétit, Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace was named among the top five restaurants in the top five restaurant cities in the country.