Overview
Chef Bobby Flay gives a guided tour of his renovated New York City apartment, highlighting design choices, personal memorabilia, and the functions of various rooms and objects related to his cooking and lifestyle.
Entry and Kitchen Renovation
- Entryway was redesigned to include a vestibule inspired by Parisian apartments, featuring distressed mirrors and stained glass.
- The building is over 100 years old, originally used for tea, coffee, and spice storage, with loft-like open space retained in the renovation.
- Kitchen features a Blue Star stove for professional-level cooking and a backsplash chosen for easy cleaning and aesthetic appeal.
- Emphasizes importance of ample counter space ("landing area") for practical cooking.
Culinary Tools and Techniques
- Keeps a variety of knives, including a favorite olive wood-handled knife, and a thick, dense cutting board.
- Recommends replacing spices every few years for best flavor.
- Uses traditional tools like molcajetes for making sauces and salsas, some acquired during travels.
- Prefers serving food family style, such as paella, for gatherings.
- Utilizes cast iron pans for both restaurant-style and home dishes.
Dining and Entertaining Spaces
- Dining table and chandelier were bought when he first moved in, with chairs recently reupholstered.
- Accommodates large gatherings, entertaining guests in a casual, inclusive setting spanning the dining room, kitchen, and living room.
Living Room and Design Elements
- Major living room change was reorienting the dining table for inclusivity.
- Features vintage furniture, modular sofas, unique chairs, and a Dutch light fixture selected to unify the room’s look.
- Bookshelf combines wood and steel for contrasting materials.
- Keeps a bar cart for drinks, citing its stylish, functional appeal.
Secondary Space and Personal Items
- Converted an extra bedroom into a cozy hangout area.
- Cat-damaged wall covering serves as a cautionary example for pet owners.
- Displays memorabilia, including Emmys and Breeders Cup horse racing trophies.
Wine, Spirits, and Preferences
- Refrigerates red wine at around 55°F and enjoys pairing specific wines with dishes.
- Has a collection of bourbon, tequila, and mezcal.
Bathroom and Bedroom Design
- Bathroom features bold patterned marble and a copper tub with patina, described as "showering in an oil painting."
- Bedroom is spacious and comfortable, with a designer headboard and vintage/rustic elements.
- Carpets and rugs are essential for soundproofing and comfort.
Storage, Fashion, and Memorabilia
- Walk-in closet contains suits, chef coats, shirts, and a variety of shoes, particularly Nike Air and Converse worn on TV shows.
- Owns many pairs of glasses from Moscot, baseball caps, and classic Ralph Lauren furniture.
- Keeps a special "ugly Christmas sweater" as a gift from Carson Cresley.
Pet Ownership
- Shares the space with two large Maine Coon cats, noting the challenge of keeping them off counters and damage to wall coverings.