New York native Susan Burdian developed her cooking style by absorbing the nuances of the diverse cuisines available in New York City. From Southeast Asian cuisine to rustic Italian, Mexican BBQ, Filipino, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Farm to Table cuisines, Burdian took in the myriad tastes to create her own flavor. She brought this flavor to notable NYC restaurants The Flatiron Room, Superfine, and Vinateria. In 2017, Burdian moved to North Florida and opened a series of restaurants in Amelia Island, Jacksonville, and Tampa. Most recently, she was selected to create a new menu for Social Roost in St. Petersburg, a restaurant featuring a globally-inspired kitchen with a focus on poultry. The diverse menu is reminiscent of a fine New York eatery, and Burdian strives to give guests a similarly fabulous experience. “I hope our guests feel like it’s an extension of home, where they can get the most delicious, satisfying version of whatever they are craving,” she says. It’s extremely important to Burdian that she gives back to her community, and she does so by mentoring young cooks and chefs. “I love to get those phone calls from former employees, excited to tell me that they just got some big opportunity, or that they’re finally running their own kitchen,” she tells GO. “It is deeply gratifying.” —NT
