Luxe Beat Magazine JULY 2014 | Page 60

Who Is Michael Wurster Executive Chef for Gordon Ramsay at The London NYC by Michelle Winner I n college, Michael Wurster was studying his pre-law courses, but something else was calling him. He soon realized his life would not play out in a courtroom but a kitchen, and he enrolled at the famed Culinary Institute of America. There, he received a Degree of Culinary Arts. We think he chose the right path. And so did these famed chefs in whose kitchens he worked through the years to hone his craft: Alain Ducasse at Alain Ducasse NY, Thomas Keller at The French Laundry, Sottah Kuhn at Le Cirque 2000 and David Feau at Lutece. And the accolades pilled up. Chef Michael Wurster was appointed Chef de Cuisine of Lutece at age 26, named “Chef to Watch” by John Mariani and received critical acclaim in Food Arts and The New York Times. In addition, as Executive Chef at ICON at W New York – The Court, Wurster contributed to the creation of brand menus for W Hotels Worldwide. He was chosen from New York City’s most elite culinary talents to head the revival of Tavern on the Green. As a chef, he was so highly creative and detail-oriented that Gordon Ramsay snapped him up for Gordon Ramsay at The London NYC. Here, Chef Wurster brings sophistication and artful innovation to seasonal, refined French cuisine. Wurster also 60 oversees the cuisine for The Chef’s Table, in-room dining and private event spaces throughout The London NYC and MAZE, the bistro-type restaurant and bar. Here is his recipe for a delightful grilled watermelon salad, bursting with cucumbers and tomatoes in a superb shallot vinaigrette served at MAZE at Gordon Ramsay at The London NYC, This is a favorite restaurant for pre-theatre dinner and a smart cocktail service.