Chef Jackson Kalb from season 19 of Top Chef 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 Jemma Hollywood, Jemma Pizzeria (Palisades Village), Ospi Brentwood and Ospi Costa Mesa (coming Autumn 2024).
