Our Staff

Your visit to Restaurant david Drake is the product of many people who work to make your dining experience a memorable one.  Come and meet some of the individuals behind Restaurant david Drake.

PETER TURSO    Chef de Cuisine

Born and raised in East Brunswick, New Jersey, Peter Turso's culinary interests evolved at a young age while standing apron-side as his grandmother cooked.  He also attributes his calling to watching television episodes of his favorite old-school show, Great Chefs, with his father.   He began his career working for Hyatt hotels, also attending the Culinary Institute of America while continuing to work part-time for Hyatt.  Other early experience included a position at the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek, Colorado.  After Peter graduated from the Culinary Institute, he was promoted to sous chef at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Peter's career then began to blossom as he took successive positions at several fine restaurants in the Central New Jersey area, including SoHo on George in New Brunswick and The Stage House in Scotch Plains.  He also worked a rewarding three-year stint at Restaurant Nicholas in Red Bank, one of the top rated dining experiences in the nation, and through his hard work, he was again promoted to sous chef.
Feeling it was time for new challenge, Peter accepted a corporate chef position with Ariake Japan, a prominent Japanese sauce producer. There he was able to get his creative juices flowing and experiment with many types of cuisine while visiting Belgium, Holland, and Germany.
Peter now has returned to the kitchen with a renewed passion.  As the newest member of David Drake's prestigious kitchen in Rahway, His goal is to materialize David's vision and lead the kitchen as an effective and creative unit, whose collective aim is to deliver an imaginative, satisfying dining experience.
Peter's intent is "...to always bring a grassroots approach to the kitchen, where my cooking can integrate as many local components as possible, then execute each dish with an eye for perfection."
Outside the kitchen, Peter still finds time to be well versed in photography and gardening.  He is also an avid guitar player and snowboarder.