Connecticut’s Celebrity Chefs

The ubiquitous TV star has found a happy home at Mohegan Sun casino, where Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain offers Regional American and New England specials. Bobby’s Burger Palace offers burgers 10 different ways, milkshakes and malteds.

Tyler Anderson’s star is certainly on the rise after an appearance on Bravo’s Top Chef in its 15^th season. His award-winning Millwright’s in Simsbury serves a farm-to-table New England cuisine in a historic 1680 mill, complete with soaring wood beamed ceilings and rushing waterfall views. 

At Mohegan Sun, Todd English’s Tuscany, dramatically located beneath an indoor waterfall, offers a full Tuscan menu, including pasta, veal, flatbreads, antipasti and cured and sliced meats.

While at Foxwoods Resort Casino don’t miss David Burke Prime, a first-class steakhouse in a dramatic setting. Burke has been an Iron Chef contestant. His menu specializes in dry-aged steaks, prime rib and seafood.

Meyer has built an empire atop the success of his Union Square Café and Gramercy Tavern in Manhattan. His Shake Shacks, two of which are located in New Haven, West Hartford, Danbury, Darien, South Windsor and Westport, offer burgers, fries and shakes – pretty simple, but good.

A culinary rock star, Guy Fieri hosts the top-rated Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on Food Network and is also an accomplished author, having written cookbooks and books based on his travels. Now Guy brings his signature award-winning American cuisine and his one-of-a-kind personality to Foxwoods Resort Casino with Guy Fieri’s Foxwoods Kitchen & Bar.

This chef, restaurateur and cookbook author is considered an expert on New England cuisine, especially seafood, and his Summer Shack at Mohegan Sun features an extensive raw bar, chowders, fresh seafood and lobster.

Things are sweet with Buddy Valastro, the star of the hit TLC series Cake Boss and Next Great Baker. His eleventh Carlo's Bakery location and first in New England is in the Winter section of Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Earth, and offers the same famous Italian pastries and specialty cakes that originated in Hoboken.

Some of the most well-known chefs today are winners of reality competitions! Which means they outcook others to make an impression on judges (often celebrity chefs themselves) and make a name for themselves. That’s what happened with Angela Baldanza of Baldanza Natural Market Café in New Canaan — winner of Food Network’s Cooks vs Cons!

Award-winning chef Emily Mingrone is always thinking outside the box with her ever-changing, ever-inventive menu. The creative ambiance comes complete with a flamingo theme (including a signature neon flamingo that lights up the space) and alleyway sidewalk tables.

Recently named a James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef, Renee Touponce is making her mark on the culinary industry. Check out her dishes at Port of Call in Mystic, a nautical-themed cocktail lounge and restaurant with a superb menu that explores international cocktail culture and cuisine.