Catered cuisine has chased California cuisine out of the park at Tavern on the Green.
The troubled Central Park restaurant said Wednesday that head chef Jeremiah Tower, a famed California cuisine pioneer, was being replaced by John Stevenson, who most recently worked at Russ & Daughters Cafe.
Operators Jim Caiola and David Salama played up Stevenson’s “high-volume catering experience” — a 180-degree reversal of Tavern’s previous culinary approach under the duo, who re-launched the long-closed landmark last spring with a new design.
Tower is the second chef out the door in 12 months. His predecessor, Katy Sparks, also is known for a seasonal, market-driven menu. The emphasis on catering seems to be on feeding “many prestigious events,” according to a Tavern statement.
Before they launched the 500-seat park landmark, Caiola and Salama’s previous experience amounted to running a small creperie in Philly.
Business has been slower than expected. Tables for four at 8 p.m. are often available.
While Tower’s ouster after just six months is an awkward way to mark the restaurant’s one-year anniversary in May, it reflects the increasing reliance on private events.
Tavern was closed for a private bash for Broadway’s “Something’s Rotten” on Wednesday. On April 15, it was closed for a Tribeca Film Festival party. It will also be closed for a private event this Saturday.
City rules were supposed to limit large, catered affairs, and required Tavern’s operators to give two weeks’ notice for public shutdowns. The new rules followed decades of loud, neighborhood-disturbing events.