Bobby Flay On His Love Of Food And Horse Racing

By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

Bobby Flay's first love might be cooking, but horse racing is a close second. According to the celebrity chef, the two worlds aren't all that far apart. "You battle it out on the field horse to horse," Flay tells The Daily Meal. "But, the night before, you break bread with everybody and the food is really the centerpiece. It's an important part of the sport."

There's no arguing that some of the food has become just as famous as the horses and racetracks. Fans not only drink Mint Juleps at Churchill Downs at the Kentucky Derby, but people at home watching the race are whipping them up, too.

"The food becomes important based on where the horse racing is taking place," says Flay. "So, when you have a place like Kentucky for the Kentucky Derby, obviously you have Southern food. People drink a lot of bourbon, they eat a lot of fried chicken and biscuits."

But since the Breeder's Cup is an international event that switches location each year, the Food Network star thought it was important to create an event that showcased this unique trait. He created the Taste of the World event, which takes place the night before one of Thoroughbred racing's most prestigious international events, and features top chefs from 15 countries. A different chef represented every country racing in the $26 million event.

"There are horses that come from all over the world to run in the Breeder's Cup," says Flay, who is an owner of two winning horses himself. "So, I tried to take chefs who could represent the different countries around the world."

This year's Taste of the World showcased chefs like Australia's Janine Booth, Japan's Gregorio Stephenson, and Argentina's Mary Sue Milliken. But since the race took place in Del Mar, California, SoCal cuisine reigned supreme.

"For a place like Del Mar, you want to showcase what San Diego food is all about. Obviously, fish tacos are all over the place and the cuisine has that sort of American/Mexican feel to," says Flay. "But, at the end of the day, horse racing has an international flavor. So, I wanted an event that tasted that way too. That's what horse racing and food is all about."

Jordi Lippe-McGraw is a freelance writer covering travel, food and wellness, and is also an avid truffle lover. Follow her on Instagram at @welltraveler.