Proper House Group Names Seth Temple as New Chef de Cuisine at Ash

Tampa, Fla. – Aug. 1, 2025 – Proper House Group (PHG), the hospitality collective behind some of Tampa Bay’s most celebrated restaurants, is delighted to welcome Seth Temple as the new Chef de Cuisine at Ash, its modern Italian restaurant in the Water Street Tampa neighborhood.

Since its opening, Ash has distinguished itself with bright, ingredient-forward Italian cuisine served in an inviting, communal atmosphere. Under Chef Temple’s direction, Ash will evolve into an even more approachable, interactive dining destination, while remaining one of the hardest reservations to secure in the city.

“Ash is all about genuine hospitality and memorable meals. Seth’s passion for simple, seasonal cooking and his dedication to team culture make him the perfect leader for our kitchen. His humor and caring personality are truly contagious — everybody leaves the kitchen smiling and inspired.”

— Chef Ferrell Alvarez, Chef Partner, Proper House Group

Chef Seth Temple discovered his love of cooking alongside his mother at the family table. Her inspiration guided him through classic French kitchens and shaped his rustic approach to food — a focus on bold technique married with local, fresh ingredients.

Career Highlights

• Chef de Cuisine, Barroco (Montreal, QC) – Revitalized a French-Spanish coastal restaurant, championing local sourcing and classic cooking techniques.
• Executive Chef, Le Chat Noir (New Orleans, LA) – Launched and led operations at this modern American hotspot, designing menus and systems that earned city-wide acclaim.
• Sous Chef, Couvant (New Orleans, LA) – Steered daily operations at New Orleans’ first Parisian brasserie, emphasizing French technique and seasonal produce.
• Sous Chef, Kenton’s (New Orleans, LA) – Worked alongside Chef Kyle Knall to oversee daily kitchen operations, mentor line cooks, and execute elevated Southern-inspired dishes.

Throughout his career, Chef Temple has been mentored by industry legends including Frank Brigtsen, founder of the Cajun-Creole movement; the team at Lyle’s, London’s Michelin-starred gem; and Brad McDonald, formerly of Governor in Brooklyn — each shaping his commitment to regional tradition, precision, and creativity.

“I’m drawn to PHG’s commitment to caring for their team. Here at Ash, I’ll champion a ‘less is more’ philosophy, letting each ingredient shine with minimal manipulation. I want every guest to feel like they’re at their nonna’s table, sharing food and making memories.”

— Chef Seth Temple

Chef Temple is also passionate about fostering a joyful kitchen environment. “When the team is excited, that energy is palpable in every dish,” he explained. “We’ll surprise and delight our guests with thoughtful touches, creating truly one-of-a-kind experiences.”

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Reservations at Ash are available at ashtampa.com.