FoodNation With Bobby Flay Season 2 Episode 14 Mystic, CT
- August 18, 2007
- 22 min
In the season 2 episode 14 of FoodNation with Bobby Flay, titled "Mystic, CT," viewers are taken on a culinary journey through an idyllic coastal town in Connecticut that is steeped in history and charm. Mystic is well-known for its captivating scenery, quaint shops, and rich maritime culture, and when it comes to food, this town is bursting with flavor and creativity.
Bobby Flay starts his journey at a historic restaurant called the Steak Loft, which boasts an impressive seafood and steak menu. Here, he meets the owner, Janice Bissonnette, who shares with him the story of the restaurant's humble beginnings and the secret to their success. Bobby then joins the head chef, Michael Marzi, in the kitchen and learns how to prepare their signature dish, the Steak Loft's famous lobster casino. This mouthwatering dish consists of a halved lobster shell stuffed with shrimp, scallops, bacon, and a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, and it's finished off with a drizzle of butter and baked to perfection.
Next, Bobby visits a local spot called Mystic Pizza, which gained national fame after the 1988 movie of the same name. Here, he meets the owner, John Zelepos, who shares with him the story of how he saved the restaurant from going bankrupt and turned it into a beloved institution. Bobby then jumps in the kitchen to help the chefs prepare the restaurant's famous pizza, complete with fresh dough, homemade sauce, and locally sourced ingredients.
At the next stop on his journey, Bobby meets a couple that decided to leave their corporate jobs in the city to start a farm-to-table restaurant in Mystic. At Oyster Club, Chef James Wayman sources ingredients from local farms and fishermen to create inventive and delicious dishes that highlight the region's bounty. Bobby helps Chef Wayman shuck fresh oysters and learns how to prepare one of their signature dishes, grilled octopus with chorizo and white beans.
Finally, Bobby visits a local favorite, Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream, where he meets the owner, Nick Hemond. Hemond's family has been making ice cream for over 60 years, and he continues that tradition by creating unique and delicious flavors using locally sourced ingredients. Bobby gets to work in the kitchen, mixing up one of the most popular flavors – Mystic Mud, a rich chocolate ice cream loaded with chocolate chips, brownies, and fudge.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning shots of Mystic's picturesque waterfront, quaint streets, and local landmarks. Bobby's easy-going personality and love of food shine through as he meets with local chefs and restaurant owners, gaining insight into their creative process and the inspiration behind their dishes. This episode of FoodNation With Bobby Flay is a celebration of the vibrant food scene in Mystic, Connecticut, and a testament to the passion and dedication of the people who create it.