Stalled by legal soup, chef back on course for Aspen restaurant

David Burke Kitchen is to occupy the top floor of the building at Hopkins and Galena that houses high-end retail outlets, while a related business, a lounge called Huckleberry Hall, is to open in the basement space.

Burke, who owns several restaurants, had intended to open his namesake eatery in January. But Rocky Aspen, his local business that will operate David Burke Kitchen, was sued by his original contractor, Centaur Construction, which alleged it was owed $554,000 in unpaid bills.

Rocky Aspen countersued, contending the construction firm fell behind its completion schedule; billed it for certain items that are the responsibility of the buildings owner, 204 South Galena Street LLC; and charged for electrical work that had not been completed, and for furniture, fixtures and other items that had not yet been delivered. The lawsuit remains ongoing.

Centaur Constructions lawsuit also targeted the building owner, 204 South Galena Street LLC, in a mechanics lien matter. That portion of the lawsuit has been settled, and the claim against 204 South Galena Street, which is controlled by Aspen developer Mark Hunt, was dismissed.

Rocky Aspen put up $75,000 to satisfy and discharge the lien, allowing subcontractors under Centaur to be paid and dismissed, according to a court filing.

There were a fair share of delays and setbacks, a lot of construction issues, said Sally Spaulding of Wagstaff Worldwide, Burkes public relations firm.

Burke has enlisted a new contractor, and work to finish the restaurant and nightclub spaces began about two weeks ago, she said. Summit Construction now has the building permit to complete the work, according to a notice posted on the building.

Once finished, David Burke Kitchen will be Aspens largest restaurant, counting the patio space, Spaulding said. It will take up the roughly 5,200 square feet that comprises the top floor, Burke said last year.

Matt ONeill, hired from Ajax Tavern, is still on tap to head the kitchen. The restaurant plans to offer dry-aged meats such as venison, elk, wild boar and pork, along with roasted trout and aged cheeses, Burke said.

Spaulding said there will also be a Burke-patented feature involving a signature curing room that will have Himalayan sea salt along the walls.

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Stalled by legal soup, chef back on course for Aspen restaurant