ST. PETERSBURG Fla. — Welcome to 9 Questions with…, an exclusive Spectrum Bay News 9 feature in which we get to know some of the Bay area’s movers and shakers a little better. It could be a politician, an artist, a first responder, a bartender—just about anyone, really. This week’s subject is St. Pete chef (and former Top Chef contestant) Jeffrey Jew, whose new restaurant concept, Lingr, is opening soon. Is there someone you’d like to answer 9 Questions? Let us know!

What You Need To Know

  • Spectrum Bay News 9's series spotlights notable members of the Tampa Bay community

  • Jeffrey Jew is a St. Pete chef whose face and style are familiar to local fine diners

  • Check back every week for a new "9 Questions with..."

Are you a Tampa Bay native? If not, where are you from?

I am not a Tampa Bay native. I was born in Massachusetts, but grew up in the Washington, DC metro area.

How would you describe your job or claim to fame?

I am a chef, and am excitedly getting ready to open my new restaurant in DTSP, Lingr.

What’s your favorite Tampa Bay restaurant (that’s not yours)?

This changes all the time, but because of COVID, we haven’t really left St. Pete. So I would say my favorite in St. Pete at the moment is Dooriban. I just can’t get enough! That being said, I can’t wait to make it to all of the new restaurants that have opened over the past year and support them.  

Do you have a personal Tampa Bay “secret spot” and/or “hidden treasure”?

SWS—those who know, know. I want to name them, but their den is small. They are awesome dudes.   

What is your favorite Tampa Bay tradition?

It has to be Gasparilla. I’ve never been, but to watch the preparations and the amount of boats that participate, It’s pretty spectacular.

What’s one thing many people don’t know about you that you’re willing to share with us?

I  judge local and state Miss America pageants.

If you could change one thing about the Tampa Bay area or your community specifically, what would it be?

Although it’s good for your skin, the humidity.  

Where did the Asian-Nordic concept for Lingr come from?

Me. I’m half Chinese and half Norwegian, and the concept pays homage to my childhood, the foods I ate with my family and our traditions. 

What’s a personal favorite dish that you find yourself cooking at home on the regular?

I can’t stop eating fresh gulf fish. I get fish every week to cook at home, and the fresh mangrove snapper is fire right now!