Mohegan Sun Newsroom

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.

The Mohegan Tribal Council and celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Jasper White cut the ribbon officially opening Fidelia

While July 4th may be just around the corner, the celebrating has started a little early at Mohegan Sun. The reason: the re-opening of the Winter Entrance complete with three major new dining outlets: Bobby’s Burger Palace℠ (BBP) by Bobby Flay, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Fidelia’s Market featuring Jasper White’s Summer Shack Express and The Original SoupMan featuring the world famous soups of New York’s Al Yeganeh which inspired the Seinfeld episode, among others.

 “We are thrilled to be re-opening the Winter Entrance and know that many of our guests are just as excited,” said Mitchell Etess, President and Chief Executive Officer for Mohegan Sun. “Now, not only will there be more convenient parking for guests, but inside the newly-modeled entrance, guests will have their choice of a variety of new restaurants from names like Bobby Flay, Pepe’s Pizza, Jasper White and The Original SoupMan. We are extremely thrilled to welcome them into the Mohegan Sun family, and I have to say, who could ask for a better lineup?”

Design of the overall space, as well as BBP, was done by The Rockwell Group out of New York. Inspiration for the revamped food court was based on a famous Tribal legend about Granny Squannit, a spirit who believed in the healing powers of herbs.

Warm oranges and reds were used in the space, while a giant skylight capped with glass and metal-crafted chandeliers help to create an airy atmosphere.

Just a few steps away from Fidelia’s Market is BBP by Bobby Flay. “This is my first restaurant

Bobby Flay enjoys the famous White Clam Pizza from Pepe's Pizza

 in the New England market and I have to say, I don’t think I could have picked a better location,” said Bobby Flay.  “The opening of BBP is just step- one in this relationship. I can’t wait to be back here to open Bar Americain this fall.”

Bobby’s Burger Palace
Located adjacent to the new Fidelia’s Market, Bobby’s Burger Palace℠ (BBP) presents an array of burgers inspired by Bobby Flay’s extensive travels throughout America and his love of the grill in a convenient and casual setting. The 4,100 square-foot restaurant, which seats 83, pays tribute to America’s regional flavors and traditions.

Guests can enjoy delicious burgers such as the Dallas Burger (Spice Crusted, Coleslaw, Monterey Jack, BBQ Sauce and Pickles) and the Miami Burger (Pressed with Ham, Swiss Cheese, Pickles, Mustard and Mayonnaise) along with a side of Fries served with BBP Fry Sauce. Salads, Milkshakes & Malteds, along with a variety of other beverages, are all on the menu too.

BBP at Mohegan Sun will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00am to 1:00am and on Friday and Saturday from 11:00am to 3:00am.  For a complete menu, please visit mohegansun.com/dining.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
One of the oldest and most respected pizzerias in the United States just opened up shop at Mohegan Sun. The 3,800 square-foot dine-in and take-out eatery, with seating for 110, will take up the full eastern portion of Fidelia’s Market.

Pepe’s Pizza is known for originating the New Haven-style thin-crust pizza which is baked in coal-fired brick ovens. The renowned pizzeria is also particularly known for its innovation of the white pizza topped with freshly- shucked clams.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with one of the best names in the industry,” said Francis Rosselli, one of Frank Pepe’s grandchildren. “My grandfather would be extremely proud of this historic moment.”

Pepe’s Pizza at Mohegan Sun is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00am to Midnight and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00am to 3:00am.

Jasper White’s Summer Shack Express
Eight years after opening his first restaurant at Mohegan Sun, Jasper White is doing it again! Summer Shack Express is a quick-service eatery offering the same level of excellent seafood and New England recipes available in Summer Shack, but converted in to a quick-service environment.

Guests will be able to enjoy favorites like chowder, fish and chips as well as freshly-shucked oysters, cherrystones and little necks at the Express’ four-seat Oyster Bar. Lobster rolls, fried oysters, clam cakes and steamed lobsters are also staples on the menu. Summer Shack Express will also offer live lobsters packed to travel for guests on-the-go who’d like to cook their lobsters at home. Summer Shack Express in Fidelia’s Market is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00am to 11:00pm and on Sunday from 11:00am to 9:00pm.

Woodland Wok
Mohegan Sun is bringing back a favorite with the return of Woodland Wok. The quick-bites eatery will be located in Fidelia’s Market and serve a variety of Asian-inspired dishes.

The menu includes various stir-fry options, fried rice, noodle bowls and more. Woodland Wok is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00am to 11:00pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00am to 2:00am. 

Chief’s Bagels, Subs and Sweets
Chief’s Bagels has moved locations and has expanded their menu; now known as Chief’s Bagels, Subs & Sweets, the quick-service restaurant open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will serve a variety of hot and cold sandwiches from a steak and cheese sandwich to a grilled veggie sub. Other great treats on the menu include a number of fresh baked bagels, breakfast sandwiches and many tasty desserts including chocolate-dipped Oreos, macaroons, caramel-dipped apples, giant cookies, cupcakes, brownies and more.

COMING SOON: The Original SoupMan
Al Yeganeh, whose persona and soup abruptly went international with the 1995 airing of the famous “soup” episode on Seinfeld which featured a character based on Yeganeh, will open a new restaurant at Mohegan Sun this August. The quick-service restaurant will feature 50 varieties of Yeganeh’s Zagat-rated soups plus an assortment of fresh salads, hot NY deli sandwiches, paninis and smoothies.

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.

Mohegan Sun celebrates the return of the Winter Entrance with a special Winter In July promotion on July 1st – 4th

On July 1st, the Winter Parking Garage and Winter Entrance re-opens and Mohegan Sun is celebrating with a special 4-day promotion.  Thousands of new parking spaces will be available giving guests easy access and convenience to Mohegan Sun’s Winter Entrance and new food offerings.  This special Winter In July promotion will give guests entering the Winter Entrance from July 1st through the 4th an opportunity to win some great prizes.

 “We are extremely excited to be re-opening the Winter Entrance, which as many people know, was one of the original entrances to Mohegan Sun and always one of the most popular with our guests,” said Mitchell Etess, President and Chief Executive Officer for Mohegan Sun. “We appreciate everyone’s patience during this modification time and know they will be thrilled with the new look and offerings. And what better way to celebrate this occasion than with a Pepe’s Pizza, a Bobby’s Burger Palace by chef Bobby Flay, or even better, with a special 4-day promotion designed around the winter theme.”

Guests parking in the winter garage from 7:00am through 7:00pm will receive an entry form into the drawing. Guests will have the opportunity to win great prizes like a Polaris Snowmobile, a two-night Ski package at Mount Washington as well as gift cards to Mohegan Sun and various stores within The Shops at Mohegan Sun including Yankee Candle, The Old Farmer’s Almanac General Store and The Golf Shop Store.

In addition to the great prizes, each day of this promotion, Mohegan Sun will also be giving away complimentary t-shirts to the first 1,000 people through the doors regardless of age.  Free snow cones and a special visit from a summer-time Santa will be part of the festivities as well.

The drawing will be held at 7:15pm on July 4th in the Spring Gateway located next to the Box Office. Guests need not be present to win.   Must be 21 or older to participate and be eligible for all prizes outside of the free t-shirts given to the first 1,000 visitors each day.  For more information on this and other exciting events at Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com. 

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.