Today, I attended a birthday brunch for a new friend at the David Burke Kitchen, in Soho.

Being of the last weekends of the summer, we all desperately wanted to be seated outside. The space inside was large and dark, more suited for dinner. Outside was far more “brunchy”.

Apparently, one of our party used to date the chef. This could mean one of two things (one of them could be very bad). Thankfully, their breakup was amicable, so it resulted in free food!

Free food, especially at an expensive restaurant, is always appreciated.

First, we were sent over two large “boards”. One was “Prosciutto and Melon” and one was the “Maine Lobster Toast”.

I personally don’t care for the combo of melon and prosciutto but everyone sure chowed down the lobster and little buttered brioche toasts.

Then we were sent over these BBQ Chicken Dumplings. The combo of dumpling and bbq sauce was odd but tasty. Still, not sure I would order these again. the bottoms of the dumplings were a bit on the soggy side, and kind of fell apart.

Many folks at the table ordered the ricotta pancakes. While they were beautiful, they were definitely very, thick and a bit on the heavy side. They were still tasty but be REALLY hungry if you order these.

The eggs benedict looked awesome and the French toast also was gorgeously displayed. Like a little work of art. The portion was on the smaller side, so maybe order this if you’re not as hungry or to share with someone.

My Kitchen Burger was fantastic. Definitely one of my top 10 NYC burgers. Perfectly cooked, nice and juicy, lots of flavor but still able to pick it up with my hands and easily shove in my mouth. It’s a rare thing to be able to pick up and actually bite into a gourmet burger without unhinging one’s jaw.

Hat’s off for that burger!

The meal was finished by a bevy of desserts, including the quite nice brownie sundae and the quite dramatic Cheesecake Pop Trees! Yes, cheesecake really does grow on trees. At least, it does at David Burke Kitchen.

23 Grand St
New York, NY 10013
b/t Thompson St & Avenue Of The Americas
South Village
(212) 201-9119
davidburkekitchen.com

Carafe of Sangria

GOFFLE ROAD CHICKEN DUMPLINGS
12
jack cheese, schmaltz, cowboy barbeque, tomato jam

MAINE LOBSTER TOAST
18/29
celery seed aioli, toasted brioche, endive

PROSCIUTTO & MELON
19
cantaloupe, honeydew, saffron, white balsamic vinaigrette

CLASSIC EGGS BENEDICT
16
chorizo, garlicky spinach, hollandaise

VANILLA BEAN FRENCH TOAST
16
strawberry, rhubarb, peanut butter mousse, caramelized bananas

MAPLE BACON – $10

KITCHEN BURGER
19
grass fed angus beef, aged cheddar, bacon, bread & butter pickles, challah bun, hand-cut fries, special sauce

RICOTTA PANCAKES
15
maple bourbon blueberries, whipped vermont butter

HOT FUDGE BROWNIE SUNDAE
12
caramelia chantilly, garden mint chip ice cream

Cheesecake Pop Trees – $18 each