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.

CARLOS J. SILVA   Partner

For over two decades, entrepreneur Carlos J. Silva has been at the epicenter of redeveloping New Jersey's increasing demand for luxury properties in close proximity to Manhattan. Mr. Silva has an adept way of turning all of his business prospects into successful projects. With extensive travel being a significant part of his agenda he developed a passion for fine dining, in particular the highest quality cuisine. Restaurant David Drake has fulfilled a desire to bring his creativity and well traveled knowledge into an appetizing reality. In addition to lending his personal vision to all management elements of Restaurant David Drake, he is also involved in a number of other real estate ventures throughout the region including: the Skyview brand of luxurious mid-rise condominiums; a variety of commercial and office spaces; and several exclusive Manhattan lounges. Mr. Silva is also involved with many projects in Rahway including: Skyview at Carriage City Plaza; several apartment buildings and retail stores; a boutique Hotel; and the soon-to-be-opened Silc Spa & Fitness center and Silc SkyLounge.
Mr. Silva is Chairman and CEO of Silcon Group, a real estate, investment, and advisory firm. His specialties include real estate development and management; historic building rehabilitation; financial services; asset management; and property repositioning

RICHARD SPAULDING    General Manager

Richard began his career in fine dining back in 1993 when he was hired as a bartender at the Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange. During his six year tenure there he also worked as a server and expeditor before being promoted to Maitre d'Hotel. He eventually moved on to other positions at Portabella Restaurant in Livingston, The Black Horse Inn in Mendham, and Primavera in West Orange. In 2001 Richard joined the management team at Stage House Inn in Scotch Plains where David Drake was the Chef/Proprietor. It was there that Richard re-dedicated himself to excelling in the world of fine dining, being inspired by the level of quality and professionalism he first witnessed then became a part of under Chef Drake. When the opportunity came to join David Drake again and open his new venture in Rahway, he quickly jumped at the chance.
Richard is a graduate of Kevin Zraly's Windows on the World Wine School and also holds a Certification in Vinification and Vitification from the American Sommelier Association of New York. He has put together a wine list that was most recently ranked third in the state by Zagats. Richard also earned a certification from the Master Cheese program at the Artisanal Cheese Center of New York City, and has used his experience to create and maintain one of the top cheese programs in the tri-state area.
His philosophy: "We want to make our customers feel welcome and comfortable while wowing them with great food, wine and service. We like to bring to our guests a better appreciation of the marriage between great food and great wine. When it is done right, the "meal" is elevated to an "experience" that we hope our guests won't soon forget. Our entire staff serves this philosophy."

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.