meet polo & stephanie

Polo and I opened Meadowsweet together in 2014 and we see it as an extension of our home. We both enjoy good food, friendly service and a comfortable atmosphere to dine in and that is exactly what we want our guests to experience when visiting Meadowsweet. When we are not at Meadowsweet you will find us upstate at Meadowsweet Farm with our daughter and son where we grow some amazing vegetables with Polo’s Dad to serve at Meadowsweet. Please read more about us both below and we hope you enjoy your visit with us.

Polo Dobkin
executive chef

After graduating from the French Culinary Institute with honors, Polo Dobkin embarked on a culinary journey through some of New York City’s most acclaimed kitchens such as Gramercy Tavern, the Screening Room and the Dining Room, where he worked under noted chefs Tom Colicchio and Mark Spangenthal. In 2006, Dobkin stepped into the role of executive chef at Dressler, where he became the third chef in Brooklyn to receive a Michelin star, an accolade he maintained for seven years. His finely tuned American cooking also garnered a two-star review from The New York Times. 

Dobkin was a semi-finalist for The James Beard Award “Best Chef New York City” in 2008, 2010 and 2011 and he and his restaurants have been celebrated in an array of publications including Food Arts, New York Magazine, The New Yorker, GQ, Travel & Leisure and others. Considered one of the founders of contemporary Brooklyn dining, Dobkin has a proven track record of quality and consistency. He upholds this reputation as executive chef and has been awarded the Michelin Star from 2015-2021 for his food at Meadowsweet.

Stephanie Lempert
director of operations

A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, Stephanie Lempert moved to New York City in 2005. She felt at home in the city’s dynamic restaurant scene, working in acclaimed establishments such as DuMont, ‘INO Cafe & Wine Bar and Al di La Wine Bar. Lempert gained insight into restaurant management and developed a passion for wine and cocktails, uncovering the elements for creating successful and diverse beverage programs. 

In 2014, Lempert opened Williamburg’s Meadowsweet with her husband and award-winning chef, Polo Dobkin. In addition to her role as director of operations, Lempert oversees the wine program, which highlights family operated wineries as well as women and black winemakers as much as possible. Drawing from her background in design and inspired by 18th century scientific botanical engravings, Lempert's original art of the namesake meadowsweet herb makes up the wallpaper design. Also elemental to the restaurant's look is Lempert's photography, which showcases the family’s upstate property.