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JAMES is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Chef Jim Burke and General Manager Kristina Burke.

JIM BURKE

Chef Jim Burke’s passion for cooking began over a decade ago while working with Master Chef Vince Alberici at The Marker restaurant in the Adams Mark Hotel. At the same time that Jim learned to commit himself to the creative challenges as well as the physical and mental demands of a busy kitchen, Alberici inspired a vision of what it meant to be a chef–a dedication to quality ingredients, patient technique, beautiful presentation and careful consideration of the client’s dining experience. Jim was soon infatuated with cooking, an infatuation that only intensified when he began working at one of Philadelphia’s most highly awarded restaurants, Vetri. During the two years he worked under nationally renowned chef Mark Vetri, he was afforded much freedom in the kitchen. His talents and his professionalism continued to grow, and his interest in the flavors of authentic Italian cuisine was cultivated. From there, Jim left to pursue his dream of cooking in Italy.

Jim soon had the honor of working with Chef Paolo Frosio in Ristorante Frosio, a Michelin star restaurant located in Alme, a small town outside of Bergamo. There he learned the difficult task of exalting the flavors of a few pristine ingredients in a dish, rather than losing the integrity of those ingredients in an overpowering jumble. To master Italian cuisine meant to cook simply and attentively. Beyond cooking, being immersed in a foreign culture gave him a taste of the world he had always dreamed about. Jim continued to work in restaurants and vineyards for the next fifteen months. It was an invigorating life experience, one that continues to inspire him.

Upon returning to the United States, Jim became the Chef of Vivo Enoteca in Wayne and received three stars in his first review. When offered an Executive Chef position at Steven Starr’s Angelina in downtown Philadelphia, Jim seized the opportunity and put into practice the lessons he has learned in the course of his exciting career.

Now, Jim is pleased to present his personal cuisine from his own kitchen, and he looks forward to cooking for you soon.

KRISTINA BURKE

Photo by Jason Varney

Kristina’s distinguished career in the hospitality industry began while waiting tables during her time at Temple University, where she studied public relations. She fell in love with the fine dining atmosphere and all that it offered. Kristina moved from the dining room to the kitchen with ease, and she has since held various positions at a number of the city’s finest restaurants, including Pasion!, Vetri, Striped Bass and Miel Patisserie.                        

Her love for the culinary world led her to Italy where she explored the land, culture and people with immeasurable enthusiasm. After two exciting years of working in professional kitchens and vineyards abroad she returned home to Philadelphia. Upon her arrival Chef Robert Bennett approached Kristina with an opportunity to manage his Miel Patisserie in Philadelphia. Kristina was delighted, and after opening the 17th-Street pastry boutique, she became Bennett’s wholesale manager for the tri-state area and its hotels and restaurants.

In January of 2006 Kristina became the director of sales and business development for Charles Roman Catering. She expanded the company by developing its website, menus and client list. However her greatest pleasure is planning memorable events.

Kristina is actively involved in the Bella Vista neighborhood, and she is committed to making JAMES a notable addition to Philadelphia’s premier restaurants.