Celebrity chef and restaurateur Bobby Flay to open two restaurants at Mohegan Sun in summer 2009
UNCASVILLE, CT (December 17, 2008) – Mohegan Sun announces the newest culinary star to call Mohegan Sun home: critically-acclaimed chef, author and television personality Bobby Flay. The Food Network talent will open two new restaurants in partnership with Mohegan Sun: Bobby’s Burger Palace in Casino of the Earth and Bar Americain in Casino of the Sky. Both restaurants are scheduled to open in summer 2009.
“It is a very exciting time for Mohegan Sun as we partner with Bobby Flay,” said Mitchell Etess, President and Chief Executive Officer for Mohegan Sun. “Flay brings a wealth of knowledge in the industry, not only as a chef, but as an author and television phenom. It is names like Flay, Todd English, Jasper White, Michael Jordan and Jimmy Buffett that continue to define Mohegan Sun as a leader in the hospitality world.”
“I’m thrilled to be opening two of my restaurants at Mohegan Sun,” said Flay. “It’s my first foray into New England and I’m looking forward to adding to the excitement that makes this property a world-class destination.”
Bobby’s Burger Palace (BBP) offers an array of burgers inspired by Flay’s extensive travels throughout America. Located in Casino of the Earth, this new burger restaurant will be approximately 4,100 square feet and will pay tribute to America’s regional flavors and traditions. Flay opened his first BBP in Long Island, New York in July 2008 and most recently a second opened in New Jersey earlier this month.
In Casino of the Sky, Flay will open his second Bar Americain just outside of the hotel lobby in the space currently occupied by Fidelia’s. The restaurant blends the intimacy of a brasserie, injected with authentic American flavors and styles.
Flay’s current Bar Americain in New York, which opened in March of 2005, rejuvenates old classics and celebrates the abundance of America’s diverse and delicious heritage. The New York mainstay has received rave reviews including two stars from The New York Times.
Flay, who began his career at 17 and graduated from the highly-praised French Culinary Institute in New York, is known throughout the industry for his southwestern fare. He opened his first restaurant Mesa Grill in 1991 and has gone on to open six more venues throughout the United States in addition to the Bahamas.
But Flay is not just a chef; he is also an acclaimed cookbook author, with eight books under his belt – the most recent of which was released in April of 2008 entitled Bobby Flay’s Grill It! (Clarkson Potter).
In addition to being a chef, restaurateur and author, Flay is also a well-known television personality. Having started his career with the Food Network back in 1994, Flay’s shows on the network include: the Emmy-winning Boy Meets Grill, and Throwdown! With Bobby Flay. He was crowned Iron Chef America in 2003 and continues to compete in Iron Chef competitions.
Additionally, Flay is the food correspondent for the CBS Early Show and CBS Sunday Morning, where he regularly informs a national audience about seasonal dishes and ingredients. For more information on Flay, visit www.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 by visiting www.mohegansun.com.