Mei Restaurant Downtown St. Pete FALL MENU PREVIEW | LOTD

Last night's "Grand Opening" & Fall Chef's preview dinner at Mei Restaurant in St.Pete.
Everything is gluten-free in my post except the milk bread from course 4 and gluten-free bread was provided. You can always let them know your dietary restrictions ahead of time and they do an awesome job with accommodations.
It was great to get a preview of some of the Fall Chef's Counter menu so close after having the end of Summer experience (which I will have to post later because it was literally like two weeks ago), it was great to compare and note the subtle and not so subtle changes -example the course with the Celtuse is reminiscent of the late Summer dish, but the presentation is different and aome things about it are different.

This menu is a smaller menu which is five courses at a lower price point than dining at the Chef's Counter. You also have the option to add on caviar, wine pairings or wagyu to the coursing progression. Unlike the Chef's Counter, this is served in the dining room. So, the price costs less, but you don't get the "experience " of dining at the Chef's Counter. You also don't get some of the starter courses or extra dessert courses as you would at the Chef's Counter which does cost more (which I noted by just comparing both experiences I had less than two weeks apart).

I would say for me, I would prefer the experience plus more food, but if you want a low key intimate experience then this is also a great option because you will have your own table with a designated waiter or server.

This first course is very fresh and it really just reminded me of Spring. It was pretty good and it acted as a great palette cleanser as well due to the bright acidity. 

Shown courses 1&2
Honestly, I had the Celtuse one time on opening night and I thought it was so delicious 😋 I would come here literally just for Celtuse.
I liked this dish though, although not much different from the late Summer menu, it was different enough to let the Celtuse shine (as it should). 

The final course. This to me was a good example of what you get doing this coursing vrs the CC. We had like two or three desserts wheras here it was just one. Its a bit small, it may not be for everyone. I thought the Ice Wine pairing went great with the white chocolate ice cream and pear. It to me seemed like a deconstructed dessert course that is meant just to be a finisher much like what I am accustomed to when I go to omakase dinners.