Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
Playful Palate
Chef Nikk Burton has had a passion for cooking since middle school. Originally from Queens, New York, Burton moved to Orlando in 2012 to begin a career at Walt Disney World—while there, he spent time at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and held the position of Chef at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.
Orlando’s blossoming food scene led Burton to the downtown culinary community, where he joined the team at The Monroe in early 2023. He’s known for his fun-yet-familiar food flavors.
“I was excited to jump into the kitchen at The Monroe and put my stamp on the food scene,” says Burton. “I love to play into the elevated American comfort [concept] that we focus on here, creating dishes that are nostalgic and comforting, and fun to eat.
The Monroe is located in Creative Village, another inspiration for Burton’s cuisine. “I like for my food to be bright and colorful, which lends to the beautiful space we are in,” he says.
The Monroe encompasses an 8,000-square-foot space inside Creative Village and seeks to capture the spirit of Orlando’s rich history through its menu and mid-century modern design. Its name is a homage to Dr. William “Monroe” Wells, a civil rights leader and iconic figure in Orlando’s history.