Father-and-son-owned Durso's Pasta & Ravioli Company in Flushing, N.Y., has built a reputation for amazing ravioli for over 40 years. The one-two punch of the classic cheese ravioli and their new osso buco ravioli floored Bobby when he faced Robert Durso Sr. and his son Robert Jr. on Throwdown.
"The best moussaka since Achilles fought in Troy." How do you argue with that? Accomplished teacher, author and chef, Diane Kochilas uses NYC's Pylos to channel Greek village food in the East Village. When Bobby sought out her secret to moussaka greatness, she said, "never flinch on the garlic."
Of the hundreds of falafel shops and stands in New York City, only one was declared to have the best falafel from New York Magazine, and that's Taim Falafel in the West Village. Owner Einat Admony's light and fluffy medley of chickpeas and spices impressed Bobby (her former boss) on Throwdown.
Bobby Flay was so impressed with the fish tacos here that he challenged owner Cesar Gonzalez to a Throwdown, betting his grilled mahi mahi fish tacos against Cesar's fried version. The salsa bar and toy wrestling ring condiment holders add to the festive feeling in this Throwdown-approved spot.
Brothers Miguel and Victor Escobedo, who own this Mexican spot, are known for the best burritos around. Their Triple Threat Burrito, which features achiote-marinated chicken, smoky prawns, tangy carne asada and an ultraspicy salsa, is so good that it led Bobby Flay to challenge them to a throwdown.
Located on the legendary Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, NY, Mike's Deli has been proudly serving patrons authentic Italian eats for more than 50 years. Their famous eggplant parmesan garnered the attention of Bobby Flay and the Throwdown crew; made daily with fresh mozzarella, it should not be missed.
Rao’s classic Italian-American cuisine is legendary. The tangy lemon chicken and the tender meatballs made of beef, pork and veal taste like they came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Another must-try is the Beef Lasagna featuring ricotta, pecorino, mozzarella and a sausage-studded Bolognese sauce.
Bobby thought he could throw down the Lobster Queen herself, but Cal Hancock's award-winning Port Clyde Lobster Macaroni and Cheese proved him wrong. Her online and mail-order business ensures everyone can try her beloved mac 'n' cheese as well as lobster coconut curries, corn chowders and risotto.
In Charleston, S.C., Peninsula Grill Chef Robert Carter's specialty is the coconut cake: a 12-layer, 12-pound behemoth of a cake. This treat also happens to be one of Bobby's all-time favorite desserts, so he couldn't wait to challenge Chef Carter on Throwdown.
Kentucky-bred brothers Joe and John Castro are renowned for The Hot Brown at its original home in The Brown Hotel in Louisville, KY. Craving the classic or an upscale twist? The hotel’s two restaurants serve up thoroughbred-quality fare that crossed the Throwdown finish line in first place.
Ben Sargent -- the "Brooklyn Chowder Surfer" -- brings the flavors of the shore to the streets of the Big Apple. Surf Bar and Seafood Restaurant is a wave-rider's paradise, featuring NYC's "Best Lobster Roll" and the Bahamian Monkfish Chowder he served up bowl to bowl on Throwdown with Bobby Flay.
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.