Bobby Flay Biography

Fast Facts

• In 2013, he was inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame
• Won a James Beard Foundation Award for national television food show for "Bobby Flay Chef Mentor" in 2005
• Hosted the Belmont Stakes Charity Celebration in 2013, which benefited the Grayson-Jokey Club Research Foundation and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
• Graduated from the French Culinary Institute in 1984
• Made his first television appearance on the series "Grillin' & Chillin'" in 1996
• Became interested in cooking at a young age and received an Easy-Bake Oven for Christmas at the age of 8
• Quote: "Food is the epicenter of my life - what inspires me every day․ It's the way I make my living, the way I relax, the way I express myself, and how I keep healthy․ I communicate with the world, and experience the world, through food․"
• Best known for hosting and appearing in a number of Food Network shows, including "Iron Chef America," "Brunch at Bobby's," "Boy Meets Grill" and "Throwdown with Bobby Flay․"
• Known for taking inspiration from southwestern and Cajun cooking, having been influenced by restaurateur Jonathan Waxman early on in his career
• A category in a 2008 episode of "Jeopardy!" titled "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" featured the chef in each of the clues