food & grocery: Bobby Flay's Ann Arbor visit includes Mani Osteria, University of Michigan

Posted on Mon, Feb 18, 2013 : 3:45 p.m.

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This photo of Ann Arbor resident Talia Glass and celebrity chef Bobby Flay was snapped at Mani Osteria Sunday evening.

Photo courtesy of Talia Glass

Bobby Flay continues to be seen around Ann Arbor as he visits the city with his daughter.

Sunday afternoon, Flay tweeted that he and his daughter were at Zingerman's Deli. Then, perhaps following the advice of fellow celebrity chef Mario Batali, Flay was spotted dining at Mani Osteria Sunday evening. Batali has raved about — and tweeted from — both restaurants in the past.

Mani Osteria owner Adam Baru confirmed the visit by the Food Network star last night. Flay was especially taken with the charred octopus appetizer, and asked Chef Brendan McCall for the recipe, according to Baru.

Meanwhile, the Twitterverse is buzzing with reports of Bobby Flay spottings on the University of Michigan campus. It appears that he's in town for a campus tour with his daughter, Sophie.

Pastry Peddler Bakery and Cafe on Packard St. has issued Flay a challenge on Twitter, tweeting: "@bflay if you are still in Ann Arbor you should visit us! We are big fans!!!! We challenge you to an Almond Croissant Throwdown!"

Where would you send Bobby Flay for a good meal in Ann Arbor?

Jessica Webster leads the Food & Grocery section for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at JessicaWebster@annarbor.com. You also can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.

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