Uncasville, CT (November 18, 2009) – Bobby Flay, celebrated chef, restaurateur, television personality and cookbook author, opens Bar Americain today at Mohegan Sun. Conveniently located off the hotel lobby, the 276-seat restaurant celebrates America’s diverse culinary heritage, inspired by Bobby’s extensive travels throughout the country. His decidedly American menu is mirrored by the energetic fast pace of the time-honored European brasserie.
“I’m thrilled to introduce Bar Americain to Mohegan Sun,” says Bobby. “Here I’ll celebrate the vast culinary traditions found in the US while also featuring dishes that showcase the wealth of ingredients and traditions of New England and, given our location, that of the Native American culture.”
This is Bobby’s 10th restaurant in operation and his second Bar Americain; the first opened in New York City in March of 2005, receiving rave reviews including two-stars from The New York Times. Today, Bar Americain continues to be an essential mainstay in Manhattan’s dining landscape.
“We are extremely excited to have Bar Americain as part of our culinary roster, and are proud that Bobby Flay has chosen Mohegan Sun to be the site of his first fine dining venture in the New England market,” says Lynn Malerba, Chairwoman for the Mohegan Tribe. “ There is no doubt that this is a perfect match of one of America’s great Chefs and one of America’s most amazing entertainment destinations,” added Mitchell Etess, President and Chief Executive Officer for Mohegan Sun.
With a menu that ranges from spiced-up starters such as Shrimp-Tomatillo, Crab-Coconut and Lobster-Avocado Shellfish Cocktails to ‘gotta have’ sides like Hot Potato Chips with Blue Cheese Sauce, Creamed Kale and Brooklyn Hash Browns, American regional fare never sounded, looked and tasted so good. Bobby takes his cues from the bounty of local New England ingredients, introducing new menu items inspired by the region and of Native American tradition with dishes such as Crispy Connecticut Oysters with Crème Fraiche Chowder and Bacon Relish as well as a Native American Taco with BBQ Duck, Cranberry and Red Chile.
Bobby’s true commitment to the foods of this nation are represented in entrées such as his Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey and Pink Peppercorns, Lime and Black Pepper Biscuits and Red Snapper, Florida Style. Fulton Fish Market Cioppino served with traditional Sour Dough Toast is Bobby’s hometown version of the San Francisco favorite. Creole-inspired Duck with Dirty Wild Rice & Pecans pays homage to the great food city, New Orleans.
And brasserie standards – Shellfish Platters, Mussels & Fries Americain with a Green Chile Broth as well as a Vidalia Onion Soup with a Parker House Crouton and Blistered Vermont Cheddar Cheese – are anything but standard when prepared Bobby Flay-style.
Bobby’s affinity for the classics continues with a dessert menu he created including favorites such as Sweet Potato Pie with Graham Crackers and Cinnamon Ice Cream; Blackberry Soufflé; German’s Chocolate Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream; Granny Smith Apple Tart with Maple Walnut Ice Cream and Deep Dish Chocolate Cream Pie.
The cocktail program reflects Bar Americain’s commitment to all things American including an extensive list of Bourbons, a favored spirit of Bobby’s. Designed by partner Laurence Kretchmer, the rotating menu of classics includes such standards as the Bronx Cocktail, Americano Highball, and Dark & Stormy. In the one move away from all things American, the wine list will feature a vast selection from around the world.
Acclaimed architect, David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group marries the design of the original Bar Americain in New York City with the energetic pace of Mohegan Sun, infusing even more movement, boldness and craftsmanship to the re-envisioned American brasserie. At 11,500 square feet, the façade of the restaurant will face the hotel lobby, Casino of the Sky, and Taughannick Falls. Handcrafted in Paris, Bar Americain’s memorable zinc-top 16-seat bar will warmly welcome both restaurant and hotel guests as they enter the restaurant via the colorful marble tile floor. The once-standard brasserie tiled floor takes on new life at Bar Americain in a diamond pattern of gold, pumpkin, charcoal and white marble. Other design elements are consistent with the original including a prominent hand-carved African Mahogany screen made by local artisans and several custom glass, wood and metal wine towers found throughout the space. Warm, rich woods set the scene, punctuated with familiar fabric and zinc light fixtures floating high above the curved “Hollywood” banquettes. The backdrop of the dinning room features a large exposed Raw Bar, highlighting a bounty of seafood from New England and beyond.
Bar Americain is Bobby’s second venture at Mohegan Sun; he opened his fourth Bobby’s Burger Palace (BBP) on July 1, 2009 during the re-opening of the Winter Entrance. At BBP, Bobby presents an array of burgers inspired by America’s regional flavors and traditions as well as his love for the grill.
Bar Americain’s bar and lounge, conveniently located off the hotel lobby, is open seven days a week from 11:00AM until close. The restaurant is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5:00pm until 11:00pm and Friday and Saturday from 5:00pm until midnight.
For more information on Bar Americain and Bobby Flay, please visit baramericain.com and bobbyflay.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribe, is one of the largest, most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and meeting destinations in the United States. Situated on 240 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com.
Due to a personal family matter, Rob Thomas’ performance in Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday, November 7th has been postponed until Friday, December 18th. All tickets purchased for the original date will be honored, so fans are urged to retain tickets.
