Chef credited with developing New American cuisine replaces Katy Sparks
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Culinary icon Jeremiah Tower has been named executive chef of Tavern on the Green in New York City.
“The search for a new executive chef was extensive, but when Jeremiah Tower came our way it seemed like destiny,” Tavern on the Green owner Jim Caiola said in a press release. “Jeremiah is generally credited with developing the culinary style known as New American cuisine. Who better to take the culinary reigns at the quintessential restaurant Tavern on the Green?”
Caiola and business partner David Salama reopened Tavern on the Green in April, with chef Katy Sparks as executive chef. The landmark restaurant in Central Park had been closed since New Year’s Eve of 2009. Sparks left the restaurant in September.
Tower started his culinary career in 1972, at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, Calif., where he partnered with Alice Waters at one of the first restaurants in modern American culinary history to focus on using local, seasonal ingredients.
He continued to break new ground in 1984 at his own restaurant, Stars, in San Francisco, which became one of the top grossing independent restaurants in the United States. Chefs ranging from Mario Batali to Chipotle founder Steve Ells worked in Stars’ kitchen.
Tower is the author of numerous cookbooks and was named Chef of the Year by the James Beard Foundation in 1996.
“I’ve always loved that my restaurant Stars was compared to Tavern, so when I heard they were looking for a new chef, I quickly contacted Jim and David,” Tower said in the release. “I am thrilled at the opportunity to get back to the stoves, especially at this beautiful restaurant.”
Tavern on the Green said in the release that Tower would incorporate his style into the restaurant’s current menu, and would launch a new menu after the holidays.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected].
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