Jackson Kalb, Chef

Chef Jackson Kalb (Top Chef, season 19) began his apprenticeship at the age of 13 at Melisse (2-star Michelin) in Santa Monica, CA. Before graduating from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, Jackson worked at Joel Robuchon (3-star Michelin), Alinea (3-star Michelin), and Union Square Café. Jackson opened regional Italian-influenced Jame Enoteca in 2018 and southern Italian-focused Ospi Venice in 2020. His restaurant group Memento Mori Hospitality has expanded to include Ospi(s) in Brentwood, Costa Mesa, Montecito, and Dallas (opening Spring 2026), as well as ¡Jaime Taqueria!, Jemma Hollywood, and the temporarily closed Jemma Pizzeria in the Palisades Village.