Chef David Burke Brings New Culinary Venture To East Brunswick

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Restaurateur and entrepreneur David Burke has found a “beautiful” location for his next venture, right here in East Brunswick.

Burke’s new restaurant, Orchard Park by David Burke, is all set to open at the new Chateau Grand Hotel, which is nestled within the 15-acre campus of Park Chateau Estate and Garden, a premiere wedding venue.

“I just drove here and it’s beautiful,” Burke told Patch. “This place already has a lot of traffic, we are excited to be developing new properties in New Jersey.”

Recognized for his appearances on TV’s 'Top Chef Masters', Burke has won many prestigious awards, including the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France Diplome d’Honneur, Japan’s Nippon Award of Excellence and the Robert Mondavi Award of Excellence among others.

Burke said when he met Park Chateau owners Vito Cucci and brothers Joe and Barry Maurillo, “things just clicked automatically.”

“It’s a beautiful country setting here. And, it's in Central Jersey. I think people living in Jersey want good quality food at the right value, beautiful atmosphere,” he said.

“I'm telling you, when you drive through Cranbury road, you're gonna take a second look, you're gonna think you're in France! It's gorgeous,” Burke said of the Park Chateau Estate.

The 5,700-square-foot restaurant can seat 170-plus customer inside, and over 70 on the outdoor terrace.

The interior design of his restaurant includes classic, mid-century and modern styles. It has a large rectangular bar and lounge, main dining area with booths and tables, chef’s table and wine room accommodating 30 guests.

Burke’s restaurant also boasts of his signature illuminated pink Himalayan salt brick wall. The Himalayan salt plays a key role in Burke’s signature culinary style. His prime beef is aged in special aging rooms lined with the salt, which gives the steaks their famous succulent flavors.

Many of Burke’s restaurants throughout the U.S. incorporate a salt brick wall within their design.

But just as the pandemic has been hard on small businesses, especially restaurants and bars, Burke too has seen a sharp drop-off in his own businesses.

In the beginning, like others, Burke said he was positive of getting through the slowdown. “We (restaurateurs) had hopes that the fourth quarter - at least November, December - would be much better than what it is right now. So, I think people are feeling really defeated now,” he said.

With the PPE money exhausted, Burke said many businesses are struggling for survival. He’s also dismayed at restaurants and bars being singled out “as the spreader of disease.”

“Restaurants are run pretty sharp, with good management. And much more than you would find in a department or grocery store,” he said.

But the chef remains “dedicated and hopeful” of business recovery.

“I think I can speak for other restaurateurs when I say - we're very optimistic people, and we're very resilient. We are going to work very hard now, so when this is lifted, we are in a position of strength,” he said.

He urged residents to support local businesses.

“I remain optimistic and confident, although it's very difficult. Please support the small businesses, including restaurants in the community,” he said.

What: Orchard Park by David Burke, a Culinary Masterpiece

Where: At the Chateau Grande Hotel on the grounds of Park Chateau Estate and Gardens, 670 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. 732.307.8833 info@orchardparkbydb.com . www.orchardparkbydb.com

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