Flavors of Flay at South Beach Wine & Food

Bobby Flay having fun with a fan and his "Flavor Flay" timepiece.

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As I pass the iconic Raleigh swimming pool on Saturday evening (it’s where Esther Williams once swam) I enter Bobby Flay’s prime time event at the Oasis on the sand. The aesthetic was all about mellow fun. Definitely my speed, Flor de Cana rum flowed.

My first bite was a spicy Southern rib eye with roasted red and green chili sauce and garlic from Bobby Flay Steak. I asked the chef who was plating how hot (spice-wise) the dish was, “On a scale of one to ten, it’s about a seven!” I thought it had the perfect kick. The island grouper with curry coconut sauce was also delectable, as was the New Mexican spice rubbed pork tenderloin with bourbon ancho chile. This first time event provided Flay's star power to shine along with his holdings — including Mesa Grill, Bar Americain and Bobby’s Burger Palace. It was at Bobby’s Burger Palace that I inhaled his Jim Beam and caramel milkshake. I'm still thinking about it.

The Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village runs Sunday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tags: Bobby Flay | Certified Angus Beef | Flavors of Flay | South Beach Wine & Food Festival | The Raleigh Hotel