Next: Bobby Flay Gives Chicago a Unique Glimpse of the Chef’s Formative Years | Eater Chicago
"At Next, run by the Alinea Group, I saw a deliberate tribute to Bobby Flay’s first restaurant that channels the ’90s Mesa Grill spirit: the residency began in late April as part of Next’s 2024 year of tributes (it honored Julia Child in January and will feature Charlie Trotter from September through year-end). Chef Grant Achatz and co-founder Nick Kokonas worked with Flay—who dined at Next in May and graciously gave his blessing, time, opinions, and historical documentation of Mesa Grill recipes—allowing Next to show TAG’s fingerprints while preserving the flavor profiles and backbone of the originals. The Mesa Grill motif at Next runs through September 1 (the overall Next: Bobby Flay program is noted as running now through November 1), has drawn Flay’s fans to Chicago, and takes reservations via Tock." - Ashok Selvam
