For some, running a restaurant is a business. For us, it is our calling. Our passion for food and fine dining comes first, business second. We are a chef-driven restaurant. For you, that means fine dining at its best. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Executive Chef Alex Barnett

If you visited Marcella’s Polaris’ Executive Chef Alex Barnett’s home in Worthington, Ohio, it’s guaranteed that when you walk into his kitchen you would find garlic, fresh eggs, potatoes, a good chef knife and a sharp bread knife.

Barnett’s favorite style of cooking is grilling meat and vegetables with different types of spices and marinades because it’s a great way to experience the cuisines of other cultures.He grew up enjoying cooking for his loved ones, and Barnett’s favorite memories as a child were preparing and eating meals together as a family, especially his mother’s chicken piccata. Barnett joined the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants family in 2009 and has gained experience in a variety of positions, such as pantry chef and sous chef, at several CMR concepts, including both locations of Marcella’s, M at Miranova and Hudson 29 Kitchen + Drink. When he helped open Hudson 29 in Upper Arlington, he learned the importance of valuing everyone’s voice in operation as well as how to execute an eclectic menu each day.

He advises aspiring chefs not to get discouraged by mistakes. He goes on saying that with proper guidance, aspiring chefs can often learn more from failures than from success.

When he’s not working, Barnett enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, and his stepson, Calvin. He also enjoys playing guitar and listening to music with his family and friends.