New Leadership at the Historic Sergeantsville Inn
Chef Daniel Brunina (left) and general manager Jes Taylor. / Photos courtesy of the Sergeantsville Inn
Originally named for the Sergeant family, the Sergeantsville Inn has seen numerous renovations, businesses, and owners, but its resilience and charm have never wavered. The historic site has served as everything from a private residence to a grain and feed store and, most recently, a restaurant.
Daniel Brunina and Jes Taylor crossed paths while working at Roots Steakhouse within Harvest Restaurant Group in Morristown, and immediately struck up a partnership. The Sergeantsville community was quick to welcome the new owners and executive chef.
Brunina, owner and executive chef, is a Virginia native. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 2008 and has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the country, including The Greenbriar (White Sulphur Springs, W.V.), The Little Nell (Aspen, Colo.), and The Inn at Little Washington (Washington, Va.). Brunina is driven by his excitement to show whole animal butchery, learn new techniques, and find the best ingredients that the Garden State has to offer.
Taylor, owner and general manager, is a proud New Jersey native. He began his career by working in restaurants in New York City in 2013. He also honed his expertise through the management training program with Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group. Taylor prides himself on exuding a tone of hospitality and expert knowledge of fine dining. He returned to New Jersey as a general manager with Harvest Restaurant Group. Both he and Brunina are excited to bring a memorable and enjoyable dining experience to patrons at the Sergeantsville Inn.
With an emphasis on locally grown fare, just a sampling of the dining room menu includes Chilled Springtime Soup with sorrel, potato, leek, and crème fraiche; Forager’s Ravioli with smoked ricotta, ramps, morels, and nettles; Bacon-Wrapped Rabbit Loin with braised rabbit leg, Parisienne gnocchi, and ramps; and a delicious Strawberry Shortcake featuring sweet biscuit and Nina’s Ice Cream for dessert. The range of options is suited to any palate or dietary preference. The Brunch menu is also quite extensive with everything from Croque Monsieur to Smoked Salmon Benedict.
Adjacent to the Sergeantsville Inn, the Ice House is a cozy shop with a curated selection of unique wines and liquors from all around the world. Originally built in the early 1800s, the building was the sole ice house for Delaware Township where nearby residents gathered to collect ice for their home iceboxes. Now, as a wine shop and bar, it is a wonderful space for visitors to gather. The Ice House also features regular specials, tastings, and offers. Enroll in the newsletter for the latest upcoming event information: https://bit.ly/3OwBy9u.
The Sergeantsville Inn is located at 601 Rosemont Ringoes Road in Sergeantsville. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the inn, as well as across Sergeantsville Road, down the hill. For Tavern and Dining Room hours, visit https://www.sergeantsvilleinn.com/location/sergeantsville-inn/. To book your reservation, call 609.397.3700.