The creative and whimsical culinary energy of David Burke is now in Riyadh as he opens the David Burke Restaurant at The Zone. We met him in person and learned more about him as a chef, entrepreneur, and why he thinks there’s nothing wrong with a well-done steak.
Chef David Burke is an internationally recognized, multi-awarded pioneer in modern American cuisine. From starting out as a dishwasher in Holmdel, New Jersey, Chef Burke has worked his way to success not only as a culinary icon but as a man of many hats. He has opened over 20 restaurants, authored two cookbooks, patented revolutionary cooking techniques, and was recently awarded as Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 by Ernst & Young LLP.
Despite the pandemic, Chef Burke has gone against the grain and kept opening new restaurants. He says that he didn’t want to be out of business so he decided to ‘go the other way’. “Of course it was also a gamble. Since we already had the seeds planted, why sit around waiting for things to change. I said, let’s go.”
One of those seeds was the David Burke Restaurant in Saudi Arabia – his first venture outside of the US. Impressed by Riyadh’s infrastructure and how the new centers were being built, the David Burke Restaurant found its home in Riyadh Front and more recently, The Zone. Inside the restaurant are touches of Chef Burke’s persona such as the use of Himalayan salt-like bricks for the wall decor (in reference to his signature meat cooking technique) and the colorful stuffed parrots that man the key entrances (reminding us to not be too serious, and have some fun). The ambiance in general feels casual but also smart and elegant.
Their Riyadh menu forced them to think differently, and they did – with gusto. His famous Clothesline Bacon became ‘Clothesline Beef’ and it tastes just as good. Served as described, the service staff will caramelize the meat at tableside with a blow torch, which releases an enticing aroma that will excite any meat lover present. He also incorporated dishes inspired by the best ingredients of his hometown of New Jersey: seafood and tomatoes. The Lobster Dumplings and the Baby Octopus and Maryland Scallops are a must-try.
As for his patented “Saltaged Beef”, many diners from this side of the world will be happy to know that Chef Burke has no problem with cooking steaks well-done: “I’m a fan of making the guests happy. If they want well done meat, that’s fine. I can cook it that way without being dead dry. That’s their option. Most countries eat meat well done. It’s culture, it’s habit.” Other meat options in their menu include Roasted Leg of Lamb, Wagyu Striploin, USDA Prime Cut Tomahawk Steak, and Double Baby Lamb Chops. The latter was a hearty serving of lamb chops over a bed of couscous and wilted spinach.
The dessert menu certainly panders to Chef Burke’s whimsical side, with his play on sweet dishes such as the Caramelized Apple Tart, Assorted Macarons, and his trademarked Cheesecake Lollipops – an item that will enchant the young and young at heart. Presented like a holiday tree with cotton candy as garnish, the gourmet pops are covered in various chocolate flavors and textures where you’ll find a pillowy cheesecake inside every bite.
Chef Burke’s new endeavor here in Riyadh is another step in elevating the city’s culinary landscape. He says, “At the David Burke Restaurant, we expect you to try things you may not have tried before. We do make our food fun and interesting but we make sure it tastes good first.”
Even with his over thirty years of experience in the food industry, Chef Burke’s passion for innovation and and giving back to the community shows no sign of slowing. Apart from opening even more restaurants, he shares with me his plans for the future, “I want to open a cooking school. I’m working on the idea in my head but my next goal is to start teaching students how to cook.”
David Burke Restaurant
The Zone, Takhassusi St, Al Mohammadiyyah, Riyadh 12362
Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs: 4:00 PM-12:00 AM
Fri-Sat: 1:00 PM-12:00 AM
Contact No: 011 210 2080
Website: davidburke-ksa.com
Instagram: @davidburkeksa
