11-07-2025
Bobby Flay Fans Send Love: 'The Grief is So Intense'
Bobby Flay Fans Send Love: 'The Grief is So Intense' originally appeared on Parade.
Celebrity was well known for his giant, fluffy orange Maine Coon named Nacho. He would frequently make appearances on Flay's shows, and it is clear from all the posts over the years that Nacho was a special boy.
On July 3, Flay shared with his followers that the tree he planted in Nacho's memory is growing so big and has the most beautiful flowers in and around it.
"I planted a tree for Nacho. It's surrounded by orange flowers. The tree has flowers too, which bloom every summer," read the video captions.
It ends by zooming in on a plaque that reads, "In loving memory of Nacho Flay. 10/07/2014 to 10/17/2023. Though Nacho crossed the Rainbow Bridge, his magic was truly special. Rest peacefully. Forever in our hearts."
The comments are full of his fans and fellow Food Network stars sending him love and praising the "beautiful tribute" to his beloved Nacho."Love this," writes Chef Michael Symon.
Food Network star Sunny Anderson added, "Nice, Bobby."
"What a beautiful tribute to Nacho!" wrote Chef Viet Pham. Chef Maneet Chauhan and BBQ Brawl host/judge Carson Kressley also left heart-eye emojis.
"Love how he has your name. Our pets are more than just pets - they're family. ❤️," wrote one fan.
Another added, "Nacho was such an icon in every episode. 😻.""What a lovely idea! Such a beautiful tree & a wonderful way to celebrate the life of your beautiful boy," wrote a third fan.
"What a beautiful tribute to your beloved Nacho. I lost my girl on the same day he passed away. The grief is so intense. Just know I feel your pain 😻😻," wrote a fourth fan.
Flay has launched a brand of cat food called Made by Nacho that he developed with Chewy. Flay's next Maine Coon after Nacho's passing is Canelo, who is an orange boy just like Nacho was, and whom Flay once referred to as "our hungriest little taste tester" in re: Made by Nacho's food. Canelo joined fellow Maine Coon Stella in Flay's household.
When Food Network's Anne Burrell died, Flay credited her with launching his love for Maine Coons. Burrell famously had two as well.
When she died, Flay wrote on his Instagram stories, "Worst Cooks in America was the funnest show on TV. All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride. The greatest gift I got from AB was turning me on to a world of Maine Coon cats (including Nacho)… a gift that I'll have forever. #unforgettable."
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Bobby Flay Fans Send Love: 'The Grief is So Intense' first appeared on Parade on Jul 4, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
