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Columbia Connects is an annual event that brings alumni and the Columbia community together to share their Columbia connection across the globe.
Throughout the autumn, university-wide alumni will be attending events around the world to celebrate their alumni connections while welcoming new graduates to CAA club regions.
Whether new to New Jersey or a returning alumnus, please join us for an evening of networking and celebration with local alumni.
This year our Columbia Connects event will be hosted at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club in South Orange, NJ.
Enjoy food and drinks from David Burke at Orange Lawn while networking with local alumni.
Guests will have the opportunity to experience some of Chef David Burke’s take on modern American fare with Italian Influences.
The clubhouse is newly-decorated and modernized, which includes a banquet space for up to 225 guests and a sports bar lounge.
Attire: Business Casual - No Jeans or Sneakers
About Chef David Burke:
Blurring the lines between chef, artist, entrepreneur and inventor, world-renowned chef David Burke is one of the leading pioneers in American cooking today. His fascination with ingredients and the art of the meal has fueled a thirty-year career marked by creativity, critical acclaim and the introduction of revolutionary products and cooking techniques.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a student at École Lenôtre Pastry School in Plaisir, France. Burke worked with legendary chefs in France and New York such as Pierre Troisgros, George Blanc, Marc Meneau, Daniel Boulud, Charlie Palmer and Waldy Malouf. Burke’s mastery of French culinary technique and his unique American creativity were confirmed at the age of 26, receiving Three Stars from the New York Times at the River Café. Burke was then chosen by his peers to represent the USA at The International Culinary Competition and won France’s coveted Meilleurs Ouvriers de France Diplôme d’Honneur. The only American to ever achieve this honor. Burke also won the Nippon Award for Excellence from the government of Japan, for overall skill and technique. Burke remained Executive Chef at the River Café till 1992.
In 1992, Burke opened the critically acclaimed Park Avenue Café with Smith & Wollensky CEO Alan Stillman, and in 1996, he became vice president of culinary development for the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group. In 2003, Burke branched out on his own to start his first ever proprietary and highly praised restaurant, Davidburke & Donatella.
Throughout the past twenty years, Burke’s wide-ranging and innovative restaurant concepts have included David Burke Townhouse, David Burke at Bloomingdale’s, Fishtail by David Burke, and David Burke Kitchen (NYC); David Burke Fromagerie (Rumson, NJ); David Burke’s Primehouse (Chicago); David Burke Las Vegas (Las Vegas); and David Burke Prime (Foxwoods, CT). Currently, David has opened BLT Prime by David Burke in Washington DC, launched the David Burke Catering Company, Woodpecker by David Burke in NYC, Drifthouse and Nauti Bar by David Burke, on the Jersey shore, and Breckenridge Distillery in Breckenridge, CO. He is the Culinary Director for the Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga, Ventanas in Fort Lee and has opened The Garden City Hotel which includes Red Salt Room by David Burke, the King Bar by DB & The Patio Bar, David Burke at Orange Lawn and David Burke Tavern in NYC.
HONORS & AWARDS
New Jersey Red Cross Clara Barton Humanitarian of the Year
American Cancer Society Taste of Hope Culinary Chef Honoree
2016
Restaurant Hospitality Magazine Coolest Multiconcept Companies in the Land, David Burke Group
2013
Best Chef of New York City Two Time Nominee
Johnson & Wales University Distinguished Visiting Chef Award
NJ Restaurant Association Restauranteur of the Year
Concierge Choice Award Best Chef
2012
James Beard Foundation Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America
Nation's Restaurant News Menu Masters Award for Innovation
Nation's Restaurant News 50 Top R&D Culinarians
2009
James Beard Foundation Best Chef New York
2004
Time Out New York Best Culinary Prankster
2003
The Vatel Club Chef of the Year
Chef Magazine Chef of the Year
Meilleur Ouvriers de France Diplôme d'Honneur
1998
Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence
1997
James Beard Foundation Best Chef New York
1996
Culinary Institute of America Auguste Escoffier "Augie" Award
1995
Government of Japan Nippon Award of Excellence
1992
Chefs in America Chef of the Year