A few weeks ago the JustGrubbin crew checked out Denim American Bistro, a brand new spot in Cherry Hill, NJ on Kresson Rd. I went in with no expectations but left with a full, happy tummy. I can tell you now they’re definitely going to have an impact on the South Jersey food scene.

First I have to mention the decor and theme. It’s denim. All over. There’s a portrait of 90s Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears wearing jean jackets and washed out jeans smiling their 90’s baby pop-star smiles. Adorable. And to top it off, as part of the restaurant’s Denim Drive for the Teens for Jeans charity, if you donate a pair of jeans and order from their fixed price menu you’ll receive a complimentary dessert. A great deal and a great cause.

Our first course was The Ahi Tuna Crudo, with whipped avocado, shiso, sesame seeds, tamari and pickled jalapeños. This was an excellent combination of flavors and the sesame seeds gave it a definitive toasty flavor that hit the good parts of my brain.

The Crispy Brussel Sprouts are something I wasn’t expecting to like but they had a great char on them and the cider-grain mustard glaze gave it a nice creamy contrast. Pancetta and drunken saltanas were a flavorful touch.

Our main course was their Korean Bbq Short Ribs served with kimchi rice & scallions, peanuts, cilantro and radish. This was a delectable dish with a great combination of sweet and savory. If I wasn’t already so pleased with everything else this entree would be bringing me back on its own. The chef even made a pine nut version to accommodate Chef Barbie Marshall’s (@BarbieMarshall) peanut allergy. Top notch service all around.

Korean BBQ Short Ribs with pine nuts instead of peanuts

Overall, Denim American Bistro looks like they’re going to be bringing some flavorful and creative options to our taste buds. They just opened for customers last week so expect to hear more as they make waves (Official Press release can be found below). I know I’ll be making a trip back since their were some things on the menu that I absolutely must try (looking at you, Crispy Duck Wings!).

If you want to hear us talk more about Denim American Bistro with Chef Barbie download episode 33 of the Just Grubbin Show.

OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING OF DENIM AMERICAN BISTRO IN CHERRY HILL ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24

The Event Will Feature Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Live Entertainment

CHERRY HILL, NJ – (October 17, 2018) – Denim American Bistro, located at 312 Kresson Road in Cherry Hill, which soft opened on Friday, October 12th will have its official grand opening on Wednesday, October 24 at 3:00 p.m. with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony by township officials, council members, and restaurant staff. There will also be live entertainment by country-duo The Grouser Girls between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Owned and operated by Executive Chef David Murray, Denim is an American BYOB offering elevated classic dishes and seasonal fare. Along with Chef de Cuisine Ed Stein, Murray developed a menu of modern American cuisine with European influences.

Formerly The Farmhouse, Murray took over the 160-year-old building in September, upgraded the space by adding noise reduction panels on the ceiling, wainscoting, refinished hardwood floors, fresh paint, and other cosmetic details. The Cherry Hill restaurant will seat approximately 86, which is 34 seats less than when it was The Farmhouse.

Decor exudes rustic charm, albeit with a contemporary twist, complete with denim-inspired artwork by Ian Berry and portraits of American pop culture icons on the walls. The look and feel emits a comfortable and inviting “old meets new” atmosphere. Modern and upbeat music is played through a newly added Sonos system, at a respectable level, but adds a stylish vibe to the restaurant.

The BYOB restaurant in Cherry Hill is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturdayfrom 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offer a Sunday brunch buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The dinner menu comprises of small plates at $12, medium plates at $15, and large plates at $25. A three-course prix fixe menu is available for $40.

Menu items will accommodate a wide variety of diners, including vegetarians and those with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Look for dishes such as Crispy Brussels Sprouts ($12) with bacon, sultanas, pepitas, Manchego, and cider-grain mustard sauce; Ahi Tuna Crudo ($12) with whipped avocado, shiso, sesame seeds, tamari, and pickled jalapeno pepper; Butternut Squash Gnocchi ($15) with Swiss chard, dried cranberries, roasted butternut squash, pearl onions, sage brown butter, and parmesan frico; Charcoal Octopus ($15) with patatas bravas, Spanish olives, and Padron pepper-lime agrodolce; Korean BBQ Braised Beef Short Ribs ($25) with Kimchi-fried rice, peanuts, cilantro, and radish; Flourless Chocolate Cake ($10) and Cookies & Milk ($7).

A 7-course chef’s tasting will also be available Sunday through Thursday for $59 featuring seasonal items on and off the regular menu.

Local vendors and purveyors include D & V Organics (Swedesboro), 1895 Organic Farm (Lumberton), Indogrow Farms (Cherry Hill), MicroUrb (Stratford), Trippin Billy Mushrooms (Berlin), to name a few.

Wines by nearby White Horse Winery in Hammonton, NJ will be available for purchase by the bottle. There will be six varieties available.

The restaurant is also available for private parties and events.

Denim American Bistro is a drop-off spot for Teens for Jeans. Each guest who drops off a pair of new or lightly used and laundered pair of jeans and orders from the prix fixe menu will receive a complimentary dessert.

For reservations, use Reserve or call (856) 520-8114.

About Chef David Murray

Prior to opening Denim, Murray honed his classical cooking techniques as Executive Chef of Georges Perrier’s namesake Mainline restaurant, Georges’. Murray also served as The Executive Chef of The Gables at Chadds Ford, Hawthorne’s in Philadelphia, The Cambridge in Philadelphia, Legal Sea Foods in King of Prussia, and as Sous Chef under Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian at The Water Club Hotel in Atlantic City.

Murray is a graduate of The Academy of Culinary Arts in Mays Landing and credits his mother, a talented cook in her own right, with inspiring him to pursue a career in the kitchen. He also studied confectionary arts and makes his desserts in-house. He currently resides in Cherry Hill with his beautiful wife, Stacy, and their two sons, Tavit (7) and Spencer (5).

PRESS RELEASE CREDIT:

Marilyn Johnson

Blogger, Social Media Squawkbox & Local Food Community ProvocateurPhilly Grub —

Philadelphia & South Jersey’s #1 Food Scene Blog https://phillygrub.blog/

If you enjoyed this, check out more posts from the Just Grubbin team here! Also make sure to listen to The Just Grubbin podcast to hear us go into further detail about this and to hear all of our random irreverent takes on food, drink and whatever else.

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