TL;DR: Go to D'Serve in Flemington, NJ. The food, service, and overall experience are outstanding. Andrew, Shannon, and their team have created something truly special--don't miss it.
I've had the pleasure of eating food prepared by Andrew and Shannon for several years now. From their Asados to their tacos, to their dessert popups and private events, I am extremely proud of Andrew, Shannon, and their team for all of the hard work they've put in. This restaurant was years in the making and they absolutely nailed it. Their hard work has paid off--go visit!
The service was top notch--attentive and timely without being intrusive. Each course arrived with perfect pacing, allowing us to savor every bite. The current format is a four-course tasting menu, with two thoughtful options per course (one vegetarian and one not). The menu is smartly designed, descriptions are clear, and execution is impeccable.
The space itself is small--in the best possible way. It allows the chefs to give every plate attention, and nothing we received felt rushed. Their choices in serviceware--dishes, bowls, presentation--felt deliberate and elevated the experience. By day, D'Serve operates as a donut shop (and Shannon's pastry skills shine brightly there--every flavor we've tried has been fantastic). By night, the space transforms into an intimate dining room with an open kitchen where you can watch the team at work. It's a fantastic atmosphere.
Despite this being only their second dinner service, the team delivered an incredible experience. Any small hiccups were extremely minor. Having eaten at Michelin-starred restaurants in NYC, LA, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels, I can say the food at D'Serve is genuinely on par with some of those meals. Flavors were layered and balanced, seasoning was spot-on, plating was refined yet approachable. Andrew and Shannon also source most ingredients locally and seasonally--last night's menu showcased summer corn, and future iterations will feature squash and fall spices.
Here's what we enjoyed:
* Amuse-bouche: A tomatillo gazpacho with watermelon and cucumber. Refreshing, balanced, and fun to eat--no spoon, just slurp it up!
* First course: Snapper crudo with a delicate touch of jalapeño--clean, fresh, delicious. Watermelon salad with corn and a sesame crunch--bright and playful. Both strong, with the crudo slightly edging out.
* Second course: Summer squash with tomatillo mole--simple vegetable transformed into a crisp, tender, flavorful dish. Homemade pasta--perfectly al dente with a bright, delicious sauce. We also tried a shellfish-free version of their sausage dish--the beans and sauce were outstanding, the kind of sauce you want to mop up with bread. Impossible to pick a winner here, both plates were excellent.
* Mains: Fried green tomato with pepper jelly--sweet, tangy, crunchy. Chicken roulade with spaetzle and a jus made from Asado bones--smoky, savory, complex. I loved the chicken for its jus; my wife preferred the tomatoes. Both were top-notch.
* Desserts: Chocolate ganache cake--moist, rich, classic. Cornbread with corn custard and Parmesan ice cream--mind-blowing. Moist cornbread, custard that tasted like the best Jersey corn, and that Parmesan ice cream was unique and brilliant. Truly unforgettable.
Overall, the meal was exceptional. The food, service, and atmosphere made for an incredible evening, and we cannot wait to return. We joined their membership program and are so glad we did. D'Serve is a restaurant with heart, vision, and talent--it deserves to be celebrated. read more