Since it was NYC Restaurant Week (July 21-Aug.15), I decided to try out David Burke Kitchen located in the James Hotel in SoHo- a restaurant that I have had my eyes on for a while now. Acclaimed chef David Burke is the pioneer of modern American food & is known for his creativity & exceptional skill. The restaurant had the feel of a rustic country barn meets modern NYC loft. It was a nice summer day so we sat on the rooftop garden floor.
While I was on my way to the restaurant I had a tweet convo with David Burke himself and he told me to try the peanut butter maple bacon dates & pretzel crusted crab cake...so of course I took his recommendation!
Overall- The atmosphere had a great vibe, the service was spot-on, the menu was adventurous & the appetizers were my fave part of the meal.
Appetizers:
Pretzel Crusted Crab Cake- This is Burke's staple dish on any menu. The crunchy pretzel crust was the perfect touch to the fresh crab meat inside...the combination of the two together worked. The tomato marmalade on top really added a good citrus flavor. Loved it!
Ratatouille & Ricotta Jar- Perfect to share with the table and comes with country toasts to spread the fresh ricotta cheese on.
Chicken Dumplings- The dumplings are in a "cowboy coffee bbq" sauce & jack cheese.
Peanut Butter Maple Bacon Dates (with fried grapes)- Pretty daring dish but it worked. The peanut butter taste was very rich but balanced out well by the savory maple bacon taste. Just amazing...my fave thing on the menu!
Dinner:
Short Rib with Wild Mushroom Cavatelli & Truffle- If I wasn't so full from all the appetizers I would have finished it but overall the portion size was good. The meat was tender, right off the bone and melted in my mouth. I would definitely recommend this dish for dinner.
Kitchen Bacon Cheddar Cheese Burger- It was a little over cooked since we asked for medium-rare. Would have been better if the meat was a little juicer but you can never go wrong with a burger.
Jalapeño & Parmesan Fries
Lobster BLT- The "BLT" literally consisted of a slab of thick fatty bacon under chewy lobster with a huge lettuce head on the side. This wasn't what I expected it to be but all the other dishes made up for it.
Dessert:
Coconut Trifle
Cheesecake Lollipop Tree- Obviously I ordered this whole cheesecake pop tree (for two) for myself.
David Burke is known for his cheesecake lollipops which comes with a bubblegum- flavored whipped cream to dip them in. The cheesecake on the inside was so cold and fresh & the outside layer of chocolate was delicious. Great choice for dessert.
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