Bobby on the Beat: Holiday Feasts, Family, and Food Finds
Episode: Thai Diner, Sunday’s Best Cinnamon Rolls with Jimmy V, Lobster Agnolotti with Sophie Flay
Host: Bobby Flay
Co-Host: Sophie Flay
Date: December 22, 2025
Overview
This festive, family-centric holiday episode of “Bobby on the Beat” welcomes Bobby’s daughter, Sophie Flay, as co-host. Together, they reminisce about food traditions, delve into behind-the-scenes family stories, and explore the best eats in New York City—from homemade lobster pasta to bakery-coveted cinnamon buns and the cult-favorite Thai Diner. With on-location segments from Jimmy V and street reviews, this episode blends thoughtful discussion, nostalgia, and plenty of culinary inspiration.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Flay Family Catch-Up & Podcasting Journey
-
Return to Podcasting [00:00–01:00]:
- Bobby and Sophie revisit their previous podcast “Always Hungry.” Their easy banter establishes a mix of nostalgia and new beginnings.
- Quote:
“This is the next version of our audio video life.” – Bobby [00:53]
“Bobby on the Beat. Do you like the name?” – Bobby
“I love the name.” – Sophie [00:58]
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Sophie's New York Return [01:00–01:55]:
- Sophie shares career updates about joining the national news desk at ABC, working odd hours (2 AM–4 AM), and adjusting her life accordingly.
- Bobby beams with dad pride, highlighting her achievement.
2. Family Life, Food Traditions, and the Holidays
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Sleep, Social Life, and Family Dinners [01:39–02:36]:
- Sophie describes managing her upside-down work schedule while maintaining connections—fitting in dinners and social time.
- They joke about snack preferences at Bobby's house, showing their familial quirks.
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Lobster Pasta Nostalgia & Holiday Cooking [02:59–06:14]:
- Bobby details making lobster ravioli with Sophie as a child, a formative bonding memory.
- He presents his updated dish: Lobster Agnolotti with saffron pasta, lobster, ricotta, and a butter sauce with cherry tomatoes.
- Step-by-step prep walkthrough provided in Bobby’s signature enthusiastic, instructional style.
- Quote:
“I make my guests something to eat because…that’s what I do.” – Bobby [03:39]
“So I decided to make you…my lobster agnolotti.” [03:47]
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Flay Family Food Preferences [06:00–07:26]:
- A “tarragon freak,” Sophie revels in the unique flavors in the Agnolotti.
- They discuss their COVID lockdown chicken salad obsession and meal prepping.
- Bobby hints at launching his own top-shelf chicken salad in response to the upscale trend.
3. Digital Media and Personal Storytelling
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Transition to Podcasting [08:23–09:08]:
- Bobby credits Sophie’s input for embracing a digital format, opening up more about his personal life than on traditional, highly-produced TV.
- Sophie likens the medium to a reinvented talk show with intimate, behind-the-scenes content.
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Navigating Public Life [09:44–10:19]:
- They touch on celebrity gossip, online perceptions, and handling public scrutiny.
- Memorable Tina Fey quote:
“If you’re really feeling good about yourself, just read the Internet.” – Bobby recalling Tina Fey [10:19]
4. Sunday Morning Cinnamon Rolls (with Jimmy V) [11:27–14:43]
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On-Site Review Segment:
- Food critic Jimmy V visits the hot NYC spot, Sunday Morning, and delivers a vivid, emotive review of their cinnamon buns.
- He highlights the texture, ooey-gooeyness, craveability, and variety of toppings.
- Quote:
“I think I found nirvana.” – Jimmy V [12:43]
“Pack the kids in a car. This thing is worth driving hours…get on a plane.” – Jimmy V [13:30] - Pro tip: Go on weekdays to avoid long lines.
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Reflection & Homemade vs. Bakery Buns [14:07–15:13]:
- Sophie is excited by the segment; Bobby muses on the draw of cinnamon buns—homemade and from legendary bakeries like Tartine’s morning buns.
- Making them at home is a process: “It took three days.” – Bobby [15:16]
5. Food Media, Influencers, and Finding Restaurants [15:31–16:41]
- How Young Diners Pick Spots:
- Sophie prefers TikTok and video reviews over photos when choosing restaurants—citing authenticity and vibe.
- She also values chef backstories and online reviews.
- They discuss whether Sophie is the “food decider” among friends, and how her legacy as Bobby’s daughter makes her the de facto resource.
6. Flay Family Christmas & New Year Traditions
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Holiday Food Rituals [16:54–18:06]:
- The conversation turns to beloved dishes—ham with sweet glaze for Christmas (Sophie’s favorite), and signature crispy chicken thighs by Sophie.
- Bobby compliments Sophie’s growing skills with homemade pasta:
“Your boyfriend said to me...Sophie’s getting really good at pasta.” – Bobby [16:41]
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Would Sophie Open a Restaurant? [18:47–20:17 ]:
- Sophie shares she’d enjoy running a restaurant, citing her attention to detail, people skills, and the sense of camaraderie she observes in the industry.
- Bobby notes many chef’s kids avoid the industry, but Sophie finds the restaurant environment special and generous.
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Behind-the-Scenes Ethics & Restaurant Stories [20:17–21:49]:
- Bobby recounts declining to hire someone out of loyalty to a friend’s staff.
- They tell stories of opening Mesa Grill at Atlantis (Bahamas), sparked by childhood enthusiasm.
7. The New York Restaurant Scene: Past, Present & Future
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Wanting a Flay Restaurant Back in NYC [22:08–23:25]:
- Sophie laments that Bobby no longer has a NY restaurant since she’s moved back.
- Bobby admits he’s “looking for spaces,” teased by Sophie’s persuasive nostalgia.
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What Should Bobby Open in NYC? [23:34–24:18]:
- Sophie rattles off ideas for new concepts: marketplace prepared foods, gastropub with “the best cheeseburger,” a neighborhood spot, or the next iteration of Mesa with Southwestern cuisine.
- Bobby appreciates her versatility and input.
8. Bobby's Insta Review: Thai Diner [24:20–27:31]
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Insta Reviews Segment:
- Bobby canvasses guests outside Thai Diner for favorites:
- “Khao Soi short rib, Penang curry” with crab fried rice [25:11]
- “Green curry clams…blew my mind.”
- “Larb…big leaves, big cuts.”
- “Pad Thai with prawns…so good.”
- “Snapper red prik…one of the hottest things I’ve ever eaten.”
- Detailed food walkthrough:
- Lob, sticky rice, Thai breakfast sandwich, green curry clams, crispy chicken Thai “milanese,” and especially coconut curry snapper (“wonderful flavor…my favorite taste of the whole afternoon” – Bobby [26:45])
- SNL’s James Austin Johnson (who does a Bobby impression) makes a cameo, surprising Bobby.
- Bobby canvasses guests outside Thai Diner for favorites:
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Immediate Plans:
- Sophie’s heading there that night and notes past special occasions (Valentine’s Day at Thai Diner).
9. Wrapping Up: Holiday Wishes & Gift-Giving [28:12–end]
- They exchange Christmas lists—Sophie asks for more lobster pasta.
- Bobby jokes he’s hard to buy for (“When I want something, I just go get it.” [28:22])
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Food & Family:
- “When I was making the pasta last night, your boyfriend walked into the door, like starving…he’s living the dream. Walks in the door, gets homemade lobster pasta.” – Bobby [05:34]
- “You are working me so hard right now…your purpose is feeding people and…giving people somewhere to go…” – Sophie [23:13]
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On Restaurant Industry Wisdom:
- “If you decide to feed people for a living, you have a generous soul.” – Bobby [20:44]
- “What's better than being at a restaurant that you love?...It's the best environment in the entire world.” – Sophie [19:37]
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On Public Life and Criticism:
- “If you're really feeling good about yourself, just read the Internet.” – Bobby quoting Tina Fey [10:19]
-
On The Spirit of the Show:
- “This is essentially just the reinvention of a talk show, but stripped away from the big production and the band…” – Sophie [09:08]
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On Thai Diner:
- “There are so many great flavors here at Thai Diner…Not your ordinary 24/7 diner.” – Bobby [26:45]
Timestamps
| Segment | Time | |----------------------------------------|-------------| | Flay Family Banter & Podcast Return | 00:00–01:00 | | Sophie’s Career & Schedule | 01:00–02:36 | | Lobster Pasta & Recipe Walkthrough | 02:59–06:14 | | Holiday Meals & Cooking Stories | 06:14–09:08 | | Navigating Media & Public Life | 09:08–11:27 | | Jimmy V’s Cinnamon Bun Review | 11:27–14:43 | | Restaurant Picks & Influencer Culture | 15:31–16:41 | | Holiday Traditions & Home Cooking | 16:41–20:17 | | Restaurant Industry Ethics | 20:17–21:49 | | Sophie’s Restaurant Ambitions | 18:47–20:17 | | Missing a Flay Restaurant in NYC | 22:08–23:25 | | Insta Review: Thai Diner | 24:20–27:31 | | Gift-Giving, Holiday Wrap Up | 28:12–end |
Tone & Style
The episode is equal parts warm, candid, and playful—mixing professional insights with behind-the-scenes family memories and contemporary food culture. Bobby’s signature teaching moments and pride as a dad shine, while Sophie provides fresh perspective, generational food trends, and honest feedback. The addition of Jimmy V’s field piece and street reviews offer a communal, celebratory feel for the holidays.
This summary captures the essence, highlights, and heart of Bobby on the Beat’s holiday episode—perfect for anyone wanting an immersive, content-rich guide to the conversation, even if they missed the show itself.
