Alex Chamberlain, currently chef de cuisine at Michelin-starred Kōsen in Tampa, is exiting that kitchen to take the helm at Mei, a new French-Nordic-Japanese restaurant slated to open this spring in downtown St. Petersburg. The move brings serious culinary pedigree to St. Pete’s already surging dining core and marks another expansion play by Omei Restaurant Group.
According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Chamberlain will leave Kōsen to lead Mei, which the outlet describes as a blend of French technique, a Nordic ethos and Japanese ingredients. The Business Journal reports that Mei is expected to open this spring at 320 Third St. S in downtown St. Pete and that it is being developed by the same team behind Kōsen.
Chef’s background and pedigree
Chamberlain’s résumé highlights classical French and Nordic training, including a stint at Beckon in Denver, along with his current role as chef de cuisine at Kōsen, according to Kōsen’s website. Kōsen itself is recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, which illustrates the level of experience Chamberlain is bringing across the bay to Mei.
Omei Group and the concept…