W Hotel’s Michael Wurster, once chef of the now defunct Icon at W Court on 39^th  Street, signed a contract yesterday (January 21) to be executive chef at Dean Poll's Tavern Whatever when and if.

        Considering that Poll has not yet signed his own contract with the city to take over the late landmark Tavern-On-the-Green, Wurster’s move suggests some refreshing all-round optimism.

        With Tavern’s magical finery mostly sold off at auction last week, Poll, who runs the Boat House in the Park, faces major challenges. He must restore the Tavern’s rickety infastructure,  make peace with the powerful union that has vowed to picket to the death, and come up with a new name if the courts decide that Warner Leroy’s trademark of Tavern-on-the-Green is legal. 

        The CIA-trained chef worked under Sottha Kuhn at Le Cirque, as well as for Alain Ducasse and Thomas Keller according to his bio.  A locavore, of course, Wurster describes himself as a modern innovator paying homage to American classics.  Examples: Sliced Sushi Tuna with Strawberries, Cucumber and Mojito Bubbles and Maine Sea Scallops Black and White, layered with truffles, served with braised artichoke ravioli, chipollini onions, arugula puree and foie gras emulsion.

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