Chefs

Bobby Flay is an American chef, restaurateur, award winning cookbook author and television personality. He owns six fine dining restaurants, including Mesa Grill and Bar Americain. In 2008, Bobby opened Bobby’s Burger Palace (BBP), in homage to the hamburger shops of his childhood in New York City. Bobby was a member of the first graduating class of the French Culinary Institute in 1984. Of his mentor, chef Jonathan Waxman, Bobby says, “he was the first person to teach me what good food was.”

What would be your last meal on Earth?

My last meal on Earth would definitely be a cheeseburger “crunchified” with potato chips for salt and flavor, double American cheese, and just really simple as long as there was a contrast of texture.  I like to use chipotle ketchup, plus maybe a couple of picked jalapeños for heat.  But I could either have those or not if they’re in front of me, I would put them on the burger.  I would finish with an ice cream sundae.  Ice cream is my single biggest weakness.  When I eat ice cream, I go for the gold.  I have to have chocolate sauce or caramel sauce and a cherry; whipped cream I could do with or without.  Calories would play an important part of my last supper.

What would be the setting for the meal?

If I had to answer right now, I’d have to say I’d be in my house in Amagansett.  It’s a place that I find myself to be the most peaceful and relaxed and happy and laid-back.  And if I was there for three days, I’d have three days of stubble.  I would definitely wear a suit for my last meal.  If it were winter, there would be fires raging, and if it were summer, there would be grills raging.

What would you drink with your meal?

Interesting…what would I drink?  You know, I grew up eating cheeseburgers with my dad, and we would always get a black and white milkshake.  That would take dessert and beverage out of the equation.  I would probably have a very good draft beer.  Not even something too strong – something very light, like a Coors or something.  Something crisp and very drinkable.  But beer is not the important part of this meal.

Would there be music?

You know, I’m a guy who always enjoys a party.  I love to dance, and I love music you can dance to.  I don’t mean the tango; I mean, I grew up in New York City, and I spent a lot of time hanging out on the street corner with my friends.  Urban-style dancing music is what I’m into.  I love Jay-Z; he’s an amazing lyricist and great performer, and when his music comes on the radio, it gets me going.  I wouldn’t want him there to perform – he’s too big and I don’t want him to steal the thunder of my last meal.  We’d just have him send a disc.

Who would be your dining companions?

Who would be there?  Certainly my wife, Stephanie; my daughter, Sophie; my business partner and best friend, Laurence.

Who would prepare the meal?

Only problem with Laurence is he would try to cook the burgers.  The one thing about my last supper is, I’m cooking it.  I like cooking even more than I like eating.  There are plenty of times that I’ll cook some big meal and I’ll taste the food as I go along, and I forget to eat sometimes.  Not because I don’t like to eat – I love to eat but also to watch things come to life on top of the stove.  The very first time I actually remember cooking was a mighty fine chocolate pudding on top of the stove when I was five.  I couldn’t believe all I had to do was scald some milk and add some powder and it thickened up.

February 21st, 2012 11:30 am Tweet

Tags: Bar Americain, Bobby Flay, Bobby Flay Steak, Bobby's Burger Palace, celebrities, chefs, Food Network, French Culinary Institute, Hamburger, Iron Chef, James Beard Winner, Mesa Grill, New York chefs, New york city, Throwdown.