Opened in 2005, Bar Americain is a showcase of his bold culinary prowess, perfectly complemented by the Rockwell Group designed space. Located on West 52nd Street, this most covetable of New York Restaurants offers a fair bit more than a smattering of Hollywood's heyday. Large, expansive spaces beneath vaulted ceilings lend a district touch of a gilded era, one which is completed by strong tones of orange and the welcome addition of sumptuous banquettes melded into the elegant tableau of lights, materials and carpeting. The overall effect is one of elegance and a brasserie-infused style which is decidedly American.

The menus, which change from brunch though dinner, all displays Bobby Flay's inspired revision of American classics. This is food which celebrates the varied, bold flavors of hearty regional cooking, reinvented with a touch of flare by the master chef himself. At the Raw Bar, diners can salivate over the prospect of a shared shellfish platter or perhaps just a few oysters to wake the palate and prepare them from a main from the grill.

As you might expect from a chef who has written a number of books which have the word 'grill' in the title, the man is a master of the art. A steak at this fine New York Restaurant is not to be missed.

You can expect a perfectly seared piece of the finest beef, treated with a dash of something special to rekindle any waning faith you might have in the delights of authentic American cuisine. But the menus are not given over solely to the pungent freshness of oysters from the coast and the hearty meatiness of the grill, there are a number of equally delectable mouthfuls to be savored. Perhaps a traditional cioppino made with fish from Fulton Market will evoke a feeling of old fishermen and their daily stew, as you savor each spoonful from the sumptuous elegance of the in-demand booths. Duck with pecans and bourbon stands as testament to the chef's talent for getting the best out every great ingredient.

Although Bar Americain is spacious and beautifully designed, don't expect that you can simply walk in and find yourself occupying one of the 200 seats. This is one of the busiest New York Restaurants, where anticipant diners sip cocktails at the bar while waiting for their table to open up. If you want to get a prime spot on the mezzanine floor with its lofty vantage over the hum below, then you'd better be swift about booking. Those hoping to book the entire premises of this marvelous New York Restaurant for a special occasion can do so, but will have to arrange all the details well in advance.

Whether just popping in a for a lobster cocktail and a glass of wine, or looking for the best grill in Midtown, if not the city, you'll find something special and delightful at Bar Americain. A dining experience endowed with the rare combination of grand style and food worthy of the praise heaped on it.