OUR MISSION
Our mission is to serve not only exceptional food but also exceptional care, where every detail, from the first greeting to the final bite, is a reflection of our deep commitment to hospitality. We believe that true dining is an act of connection, and we welcome every guest as family, offering warmth, grace, and genuine attentiveness in every moment.
Mei is named after Executive Chef Alex’s sister, a tribute to the person who shaped much of who he is today. Our restaurant carries a piece of that relationship—thoughtfulness and care behind every dish, and heartfelt hospitality that welcomes every guest as if they were family.
Meet the Team
Alex Chamberlain
Executive ChefBefore establishing himself in the Tampa Bay culinary scene, Chef Chamberlain honed his skills in Denver, Colorado, where he served as sous chef at the Michelin-starred Beckon. He later gained prominence as Chef de Cuisine at Michelin-starred Kōsen in Tampa, helping shape one of the region's most celebrated dining experiences.
Chef Chamberlain's culinary philosophy centers on locally foraged produce, traditional preservation techniques such as koji aging, and the precise use of binchotan charcoal grilling. His kitchens are guided by a commitment to sustainability and zero-waste practices, ensuring every ingredient is treated with intention and respect.
Jordan Marino
An Orlando native, Jordan built his culinary career through some of Florida’s most celebrated kitchens, including two-Michelin-starred Sorekara in Orlando, one-Michelin-starred Kōsen in Tampa, and AVA in Orlando. After moving to St. Petersburg, he quickly became connected to the city’s hospitality community and found a new place to call home.
At Mei, he brings his passion for live-fire cooking and fish manipulation techniques to the kitchen. Working closely with Chef Alex, he draws from a range of culinary disciplines—from butchery and robata grilling to saucier work—to create food that is thoughtful, creative, and approachable. For Jordan, great hospitality is all about the details. He strives to make every guest feel genuinely cared for, creating a dining experience that feels personal and intentional.
Favorite Resturant: Andreina in Loreto, Italy
Chef De Cuisine
Raechel Rumbley
General Manager, SommelierAn Orlando native with a degree in Pâtisserie & Baking at Le Cordon Bleu, Raechel brings a diverse hospitality background shaped by her experience throughout Central Florida, Tampa, and South Carolina. After managing teams across the industry, she returned to Florida from Charleston and found herself drawn to St. Petersburg’s creative energy and artistic spirit.
Her passion for hospitality deepened through her work in fine dining, where she developed an appreciation for finely-executed service, exceptional food and beverage, and the art of creating memorable guest experiences. She hopes to cultivate a warm and inspiring culture at Mei while bringing a little joy and whimsy to every meal and pairing. For her, the highest form about hospitality is about creating a memorable moment that feels welcoming, personal, and as close to home as possible.
Favorite Restaurant: Marbled & Fin in Charleston, South Carolina.