Sneak Peek: Bobby Flay Offers Early Look at Upcoming NYC Restaurant Gato

Last week, to promote Bon Appetit's Vegas Uncork'd festival on the East Coast, celebrity chef Bobby Flay hosted a preview of his upcoming New York City restaurant Gato. Located in super-chic NoHo and specializing in Spanish/Mediterranean fare (or so foodie blog Eater says), we think this restaurant will be a must-visit when it opens its doors.

Problem is, no one seems to know when that may be. No official opening date has been announced, and there is no menu or even a website for more information about what the restaurant will serve. But if last week's event is any hint, the meals will be pretty memorable: Appetizers included a toast points with whipped goat cheese and sauteed mushrooms; plenty of seafood (the head-on shrimp seemed very popular, as was a sea bass and a quasi-paella with lots of shellfish); and thin-crust pizzas with lots of veggies and lamb sausage.

According to a recent New York Times article, the menu at Gato will cover the fullMediterranean — Italy, Provence, Greece, North Africa. “Tons of olive oil,” Flay told the paper. “Tons of salty flavors like anchovies and olives and capers. Lots of citrus. Tons of things like tomatoes and peppers, both hot and sweet.”

A dramatic bar takes up much of the space, and those sitting along one side will be able to look into the kitchen to see the chefs and staff at work. There are leather booths towards the back of the space for those who want more privacy. (But we say watching the kitchen will be decidedly more exciting. One may even spot Flay himself at one of the stoves, like he was during the event.) The restaurant was rather dark and crowded during the event, making it difficult to get photos, but be sure to check back after the opening to see what the space looks like!

And while we wait for Gato to officially open, here's some more foodie buzz to keep whistles wetted: People Magazine is reporting that Martha Stewart is looking to open a restaurant in the same New York City office building that houses her Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia company. “There are 11,000 people who work in [the building] and no restaurant,” the entrepreneur reportedly said. Let's just imagine what the meals might include. (Whatever she serves, we're sure it will be a good thing.)