Meet the Chef
The Flying Saucer Italian Bistro, located at the Gatlinburg Space Needle, opened its doors to the public in July, 2010.
Patrick Burch, Manager and Chief Chef of the Flying Saucer, is originally from the New England area, living primarily in Connecticut. His family moved to the Sevier County area in 1991 where he attended Sevier County High School and his love for food and art began.
With sixteen years in the food industry, Patrick has worked in virtually all capacities of the restaurant business from high volume to upper end sit down restaurants. Having worked in one of Idaho’s premier Italian Restaurants, Gatlinburg’s Park Grill and the Chop House in Knoxville, he has brought his expertise to the Flying Saucer. He has applied all his knowledge to the art of authentic gourmet Italian style cuisine, developing his own unique recipes.
Patrick has since enlisted the help of his brother, Duane who also has extensive training in the food and restaurant industry. Together the “Dynamic Duo” bring over thirty-four years of experience to the Flying Saucer Bistro and are both looking forward to the bistros future success. With the restaurant as their canvas the brothers will be creating new menu items on a regular basis to coincide with Gatlinburg’s change of seasons, conventions, and special events. Come join us in November at Gatlinburg’s annual chili cook-off for a taste of Patrick’s and the Flying Saucer’s delicious homemade chili creation.
In his spare time Patrick is also writing and illustrating a children’s book inspired by his daughter As you might expect, his favorite TV show is “Man vs. Food”.It’s Habanero Heaven when Patrick welcomes you to visit the Bistro and dares you to take our food challenge! Can you “Beat the Heat” of the Super Nova?
