You know how yesterday I was blathering about the former Bern's chef opening something in Tampa? Well, guest blogger Chris Sherman has set me straight:

De Santo Latin American Bistro, a sleek restaurant that opened to wows in downtown St. Petersburg three months ago has closed for three weeks to revise its menu under a new chef, Jeannie Pierola, formerly of Bern’s Steak House in Tampa.

"It’s a stunning space. It's really, really cool," Pierola said Tuesday of the project which revamped a large chunk of McNulty Station into the restaurant and its companion bar, Push Ultra Lounge.

The place immediately drew a big crowd for its uptown décor and tequila drinks but its largely Mexican menu drew poor reviews. Developer Doug Ellman closed the restaurant on Saturday and brought in Pierola to rebuild the culinary team and write a new menu that is more broadly Latin.

"I just love the flavors," said Pierola, who ran Caribbean-styled restaurants called Cool Beans and Boca before she took over the legendary steakhouse Bern’s and its innovative sibling, SideBern's. "Making food that is really fun to eat is a treat for me."

Timing was fortuitous for both chef and developer. Pierola had parted company with Bern’s five months ago and has been studying options for her next venture. Ellman said he was surprised when the initial menu did not go over. He had bought in chef Antonio Villanueva, a personal friend, to run the kitchen.

"I feel badly. It was unfortunate that people didn't respond the way we expected," said Ellman. "I ate there every day and loved the food."

Nonetheless, he said he was ecstatic about the future and working with Pierola, one of the area's top chef. She will work with De Santo for three months, writing the new menu, hiring and training the crew, and hiring a new full-time chef. She will stay on as advisor for the rest of the year.

Both also said they were were excited about downtown St. Petersburg's culinary future. The Tampa chef said, "I really love downtown St. Pete and the feel of walking around the streets."

Ellman, who moved to the city a year ago, said much the same, despite the setback. "I've fallen in love with St. Petersburg."