Patch Tastemaker: Chef David Burke

When it comes to fine dining in New York City, chef David Burke brings home the bacon — his famous "clothesline bacon" that is, a delicacy that can be found at his most recent restaurant, Tavern62 by David Burke. The American tavern, one of Burke's several establishments that he's fronted throughout his 30-year career, features his modern approach to cooking with some sophisticated New York classics mixed in.

Aside from being a world-renowned chef, Burke wears many hats: He is an entrepreneur, inventor, cookbook author, philanthropist and television star. As a Culinary Institute of America graduate and James Beard Award recipient, Burke has received critical acclaim for his creative cuisine, and has even earned a US patent for his unique dry-aging process for steaks (it involves pink Himalayan salt).

Brooklyn-born Burke continues to be a pioneer in the restaurant industry, both locally and nationally. However, he will always consider New York to be his home. "It’s all here! There is so much diversity of culture, people, places and things, but all the arts are here," says Burke.

On the rare occasion that he's not crafting innovative recipes or appearing on an episode of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, the chef enjoys exploring the New York Botanical Gardens or going on a romantic date at Le Bernardin. Wondering where else he spends his free time? Check out more of chef Burke's must-see destinations around the city that he considers to be "quite a handful," below:

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How long have you lived in New York City? I lived in New York City from 1984 through 2001. Now I live just over the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

What neighborhood do you live in? I lived in Brooklyn Heights/DUMBO before it was called DUMBO. It was right under the bridge across the street from The River Café, where I used to work.

What’s your occupation? Chef of Tavern62 by David Burke on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Describe NYC in three words: Quite a handful.

What’s your favorite overall NYC restaurant? The River Café

Best sushi: Sushi Ishikawa on East 74th Street between First and York

Best Italian food: Primola, which is just a few blocks from my restaurant, Tavern62 by David Burke.

Best dessert: Aureole

Best pizza: Fornino Pizza

Best spot for a quick lunch: Regency Hotel on the Upper East Side

Best spot for a romantic date: Marea or Le Bernardin

Best glass of wine: The bar at Daniel

Best Sunday brunch: Mandarin Oriental

Best spot for a power business meeting: 21 Club

Best steak: BLT Steak on East 57th Street

What hotel would you recommend for your out-of-town guests? I like the Regency Hotel a lot because of its location uptown near Central Park and for its big rooms. For a Midtown Manhattan hotel, I recommend Refinery Hotel.

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: Bloomingdale’s

Best gym or fitness studio: I like to walk by Equinox! I haven’t gone in there, but it looks nice from the outside.

Best spa: Premier57 Spa, a few blocks from Tavern62.

Favorite charity event or organization: Meals on Wheels

Favorite cultural event: Anything happening at the New York Botanical Gardens, and around the holidays I like the Rockettes.

Favorite cultural institution: Radio City Music Hall and 59E59 Theaters, which shows off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway plays.

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in NYC? The Museum of Arts and Design near Columbus Circle and MoMA.

Best historic or iconic NYC landmark to see or explore: I’m amazed by Central Park, and I’m lucky enough to be able to walk through it a lot because it’s near my restaurant.

What’s your all-time favorite spot in New York City? The Brooklyn Bridge and the George Washington Bridge. I really enjoy walking across them and being near the water.

The best aspect of New York City is: It’s all here! There is so much diversity of culture, people, places and things, but all the arts are here.

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Image Credit: Susan Mezzulo