“She’s always the light at the end of the day”
christina perez / instagram
Friends of Bobby flayhave noticed a positive change in the Food Network star, and it’s all thanks to her relationship with new girlfriend Christina Pérez.
“We were at an art gallery opening, and I walked over to two friends, and I was like, ‘What are you guys talking about?’ ” the Defeat Bobby Flay the star tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue, on newsstands Friday. “They were like, ‘We’re talking about you! It’s so nice to see you so happy.’ “
Introduced by mutual friends, Flay, 57, and Pérez, 40, a writer and creative director of cannabis company Miss Grass, started dating about a year ago and went public with their relationship in November during the Breeders’ Cup World Championship, where Flay Pizza’s horse Bianca finished first.
“She’s so adorable. I’m really happy to have met her,” exclaims Flay, who has been busy producing Throwdown with Michael Symon, now airing on Food Network. “My life is so crazy and hectic, and it’s always the light at the end of the day for me.”
Pérez, a native of California who was on the staff of Charm, Vogue, and Fortunate and has had his work published by various media such as Condé Nast Traveler, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar, has also influenced his lifestyle, in and out of the kitchen. “She teaches me to cook with a lot less meat,” says Flay. “And now all of a sudden I’m a big hiker. I’m learning the Zen California method a bit.”
Bill Denver / CSM / Sipa United States
Their mutual admiration is obvious, says a friend of the couple. “She was drawn to his sense of humor, kindness, confidence and enthusiasm,” the source told PEOPLE. “He’s a gentleman to her.”
The two plan to spend the holidays together. “I could cook Puerto Rican food on Christmas Day,” says Flay. “She’s half Puerto Rican and I love these flavors and this food, so I want to make sure she feels represented at Christmas.”
Outside of public holidays, Pérez is particularly fond of Flay’s paella recipe, explains the couple’s friend. “It reminds him of his family,” the source says.
Flay’s own family, his 25-year-old daughter Sophie, from the second of his three marriages, are delighted to see her father so in love.
“Sophie is a huge fan of Christina and vice versa,” says Flay. “The two most important girls in my life love each other and have a good relationship, there’s nothing better for me.”