Chef David Burke joins Kerri for a conversation about what it really means to cook with creativity, run restaurants with staying power, and create food that people actually remember.

From his signature bacon and lobster dumplings at Seahawk Prime to his decades in New York, New Jersey, and Florida restaurants, David shares how innovation, hospitality, pressure, and personality all come together on the plate.

They talk about the balance between creativity and consistency, why restaurants need to create “postcards” in a guest’s memory, what makes a dining experience unforgettable, and how Birdies brings a more casual, playful energy alongside Seahawk Prime. Plus, David shares stories from Iron Chef, Guy Fieri, Emeril, Jersey music legends, and the celebrity phone call that actually happened during the episode.

Listen if you’re:

• Curious about how a world-renowned chef thinks about creativity, menus, and memorable food
• A restaurant owner or industry pro who understands the pressure behind the plate
• Obsessed with dining experiences that are fun, elevated, and unforgettable
• Interested in Seahawk Prime, Birdies, or David Burke’s growing Florida restaurant presence
• Someone who loves food, hospitality, celebrity chef stories, and a little Jersey personality

Connect with David Burke:

Website: https://chefdavidburke.com/

Forking Around with Flavor South Florida Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/forkingaroundpodcast

Flavor South Florida Website: https://www.flavorsouthflorida.com/ Flavor South Florida Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FlavorSouthFlorida Kerri Paizzi Website: https://www.kerripaizzi.com/ Kerri Paizzi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KerriP316

This episode is sponsored by Altima Caviar. Visit https://altimacaviar.com

Forking Around with Flavor South Florida is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida and produced by Hype Boss. To learn more visit https://podplusstudios.com.

Paula DaSilva’s culinary journey began long before television audiences met her as the runner-up on Season 5 of Hell’s Kitchen. Raised in a hardworking family that built Brazilian restaurants from the ground up, Paula learned early that success in hospitality is built on grit, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

Today, as Director of Food & Beverage at PGA National, she brings those same values to one of South Florida’s premier resort destinations.

In this episode, Paula shares the lessons she learned growing up in her family’s restaurants, how her Brazilian heritage continues to influence her approach to food, and what it was really like competing under the intense pressure of Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen.

She also reflects on the mentors who helped shape her career, including Chef Dean Max, and her long-standing relationships with celebrated chefs Jeremy Ford and Lindsay Autry.

From restaurant life and culinary creativity to leadership, mentorship, and the realities behind food television, this conversation offers an inside look at what it takes to build a lasting career in hospitality while staying true to your passion.

If You're:

• Passionate about food, hospitality, and restaurant culture
• Curious about what happens behind the scenes of cooking competition shows
• Interested in leadership and career growth in the hospitality industry
• A chef, restaurateur, or aspiring culinary professional
• Looking for inspiration from someone who turned hard work into a remarkable career

Connect:

Paula DaSilvia: https://www.instagram.com/paula_dasilva

Flavor South Florida Website: https://www.flavorsouthflorida.com/

Flavor South Florida Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FlavorSouthFlorida

Kerri Paizzi Website: https://www.kerripaizzi.com/

Kerri Paizzi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KerriP316

This episode is sponsored by Altima Caviar. Visit https://altimacaviar.com

Forking Around with Flavor South Florida is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida and produced by Hype Boss. To learn more visit https://podplusstudios.com.

What does it actually take to build a successful restaurant in today's market?

In this episode of Forking Around with Flavor South Florida, Kerri Paizzi sits down with three of South Florida's most accomplished restaurateurs: Scott Frielich, Cleve Mash, and Angelo Abanante. Together, they have launched dozens of restaurants, bars, and hospitality concepts across Palm Beach County and beyond, including Dada, Blackbird Modern Asian, Papichulo, Lenora's, Clematis Social, and more.

The conversation dives into the realities behind restaurant ownership, from million-dollar buildouts and rising insurance costs to navigating growth opportunities in markets like Jupiter, Palm City, and Naples. The trio also shares stories about taking risks, spotting emerging communities before everyone else, surviving COVID, and why community involvement remains one of the most important ingredients for long-term success.

Whether you're a restaurant owner, hospitality professional, entrepreneur, or simply fascinated by the business behind your favorite dining spots, this episode offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to thrive in one of the toughest industries in America.

Listen If You're:

• A restaurant owner thinking about opening a second location
• Curious about the real economics of the restaurant business
• Interested in how successful operators identify growth markets before everyone else
• Looking for insights on restaurant marketing, branding, and community engagement
• A hospitality entrepreneur who wants an honest look at the challenges and rewards of the industry

Connect with Scott, Cleve and Angelo:

Website: https://www.threeamigoshospitality.com/

Forking Around with Flavor South Florida Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/forkingaroundpodcast

Flavor South Florida Website: https://www.flavorsouthflorida.com/

Flavor South Florida Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FlavorSouthFlorida

Kerri Paizzi Website: https://www.kerripaizzi.com/

Kerri Paizzi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KerriP316

This episode is sponsored by Altima Caviar. Visit https://altimacaviar.com

Forking Around with Flavor South Florida is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida and produced by Hype Boss. To learn more visit https://podplusstudios.com.