Executive Chef Sylvain Delpique has been a driving force at davidburke townhouse for over three years, partnering with Chef David Burke to create the innovative, modern American dishes for which the acclaimed restaurant is known.

Growing up in Albertville, France, Sylvain was inspired to pursue a culinary career by his father, an excellent home cook. He earned his degree at Challes-les-Eaux culinary school in the Rhone-Alps region. While in school, Sylvain honed his skills in the kitchens of some of France’s best restaurants including two Michelin-star restaurants, Pierre Orsi in Lyon and Michel Chabran in Pont de L’isere. Under the tutelage of Chef Orsi, he learned the techniques used in creating the menu’s light seafood dishes, while his time at Chabran allowed him to explore a menu that reflected a focus on seasonality and fresh produce.

After graduating in 2000, Sylvain moved to the United States to take on the position of Chef De Partie at Union League Café in New Haven, Connecticut. While there, he learned to blend the best of French classical tradition with a more contemporary approach to flavors, textures and the freshest local and organic ingredients. Sylvain next shifted to Restaurant Jean-Louis in Greenwich, Connecticut and was promoted to Sous Chef in just one year. Seeking an even bigger stage, he moved to New York City to take on his native cuisine at the highly acclaimed French bistro, Artisanal. As Sous Chef, Sylvain refined his expertise and began forming his own culinary style under the guidance of Chef-Proprietor Terrance Brennan.

Following two years at Artisanal, Sylvain found a home at davidburke townhouse (formerly davidburke & donatella) on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. As Chef David Burke’s right-hand-man, he oversees the kitchen staff daily, managing all back of the house staff including hiring and training. Inspired by David’s ingenuity and supported by his input, Sylvain helps to create daily specials and tasting menus that continue to earn the restaurant’s reputation as a destination for clever and delicious modern American food. Sylvain’s enthusiasm in the kitchen is contagious and lends to an energetic atmosphere where creativity thrives in the form of innovative cuisine.