MFA Boston Names Brian Flagg as New Executive Chef

BOSTON, MA (April 30, 2015)—Brian Flagg has been appointed Executive Chef for the acclaimed restaurants at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), including Bravo, the New American Café and the MFA’s catering services. At the MFA, Chef Flagg will work with local communities, farmers and artisans while creating new seasonal menus. He will reinvent the offerings at Bravo restaurant—a sophisticated dining experience and one of Boston’s top destinations for brunch—to reflect his more than 20 years of experience in premier New England kitchens.  He will also bring his distinct style to the New American Café, which is set in the MFA’s soaring glass-enclosed Shapiro Family Courtyard. Managed by Restaurant Associates, all of the MFA’s diverse dining venues emphasize artfully prepared cuisine using sustainable, local ingredients. Flagg's love of food and culture is exemplified in his passion for travel as his culinary adventures have taken him to more than 25 countries and six continents.

“I am very excited to be cooking in an environment that is as rich in culture as the MFA,” said Chef Flagg. “Food is a universal language—a common link that spans all cultures. Influences of these cultures can manifest themselves in infinite ways when we cook with an open mind to cooking styles and ingredients.”

Prior to joining the MFA, Chef Flagg was Corporate Executive Chef for the Worcester Restaurant Group, where he served as Director of Culinary Operations for The Sole Proprietor, 111 Chop House, and VIA Italian Table. Previously, he trained under famed chef Jasper White at Jasper’s, as well as under Todd English at the flagship Olives restaurant across the river in Charlestown.  Additionally, he was Executive Chef at Harvest, a culinary landmark in Harvard Square, and led the kitchens at the Millennium Bostonian Hotel after its multi-million dollar renovation. Chef Flagg has also served as Corporate Executive Chef of Summer Shack—participating in the 19th Masters of Food & Wine Event in Carmel, California; cooking at the James Beard House; and being selected by former Governor Mitt Romney to represent Massachusetts at the 2006 Great American Seafood Cookoff in New Orleans.

Born and bred in central Massachusetts, Chef Flagg graduated first in his class from the Culinary Institute of America in 1991, where he was selected as one of “America’s Top Ten Student Chefs” in a competition sponsored by Food & Wine magazine. His family includes four generations of culinary professionals—his mother and father ran a bakery/restaurant in his hometown of Northboro. Chef Flagg received a Bachelor’s Degree in restaurant administration from the University of Massachusetts.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), is recognized for the quality and scope of its collection, which includes an estimated 500,000 objects. The Museum has more than 140 galleries displaying its encyclopedic collection, which includes Art of the Americas; Art of Europe; Contemporary Art; Art of Asia, Oceania, and Africa; Art of the Ancient World; Prints, Drawings, and Photographs; Textile and Fashion Arts; and Musical Instruments. Open seven days a week, the MFA’s hours are Saturday through Tuesday, 10 am–4:45 pm; and Wednesday through Friday, 10 am–9:45 pm Admission (which includes one repeat visit within 10 days) is $25 for adults and $23 for seniors and students age 18 and older, and includes entry to all galleries and special exhibitions. Admission is free for University Members and youths age 17 and younger on weekdays after 3 pm, weekends, and Boston Public Schools holidays; otherwise $10. Wednesday nights after 4 pm admission is by voluntary contribution (suggested donation $25). MFA Members are always admitted for free. The Museum’s mobile MFA Guide is available at ticket desks and the Sharf Visitor Center for $5, members; $6, non-members; and $4, youths. The Museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Patriots’ Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For more information, visit mfa.org or call 617.267.9300. The MFA is located on the Avenue of the Arts at 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.

###