Both owner and operator, Neilly manages all things Heirloom Kitchen—cooking school, restaurant, and retail. Originally founding Heirloom alongside her mother Judy Rosenblum, the pair attracted talented chefs from all over the tri-state area to collaborate in Heirloom’s open kitchen. Within its first year, Heirloom was named one of the “Best Cooking Classes Around the World,” by Food & Wine Magazine. In 2016, Neilly decided to evolve Heirloom’s retail and cooking school model by partnering with Chef David Viana and incorporating a Weekend Restaurant into the mix.

Neilly is 2024 James Beard Foundation Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellow

After cooking with world-class chefs, including Bobby Flay, Anthony Bucco, and Michael White, and sharpening his skills in world-class kitchens such as Eleven Madison Park, and Two Star Michelin restaurant Villa Joya in Portugal, Chef Viana received distinguished recognition as the Executive Chef at The Kitchen at Grove Station, receiving three stars from the New York Times who described his dishes as “magical” and “hypnotizing.” At Heirloom Kitchen, Chef Viana continues to impress, receiving three-and-a-half stars from The Star-Ledger within weeks of joining the team. Chef Viana was nominated for a James Beard Award—Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic in 2018.

Chef Zachary Abramzon started his culinary journey working in various kitchens in northern New Jersey, including Uproot, before taking a year sabbatical to travel the nordic countries and work in Michelin establishments such as Faviken and Cafe Nizza. These experiences cemented his keen interest in the New Nordic movement which he began sharing with the Heirloom family in 2019. Pulling from both his Ukrainian and Israeli roots, Zach also teaches some of our favorite cooking classes and creates some of our most inspired dishes at Heirloom Kitchen.

Shante Dorsett, originally from Guam and raised in Central New Jersey, began her culinary journey at 15, inspired by her grandfather’s passion for cooking for his family. Her formal training started at the Culinary Education Center in Asbury Park, where her love for baking flourished. She further honed her skills at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, earning an associate degree in Pastry Arts.

Shante’s career path led her to some of the most renowned kitchens in the U.S., including Chef Alain Ducasse’s Adour, Eleven Madison Park, and Gramercy Tavern. She also pursued chocolatier training with Valrhona Chocolate in Brooklyn on her path to continuous growth. Her role as Executive Pastry Chef with Discovery Land Group took her to notable private clubs, such as the Yellowstone Club in Montana and Dune Deck Beach Club in West Hampton Beach, NY.

Now back in New Jersey, Shante serves as the Pastry Chef here at Heirloom Kitchen, where her contemporary American desserts are a blend of both personal memories and global influences.

With over 20 years of experience in hospitality—more than half as a General Manager—Amanda has transformed her passion for the industry into a fulfilling career. She joins Team Heirloom after 2.5 years at Heirloom at the St. Laurent, where she served as GM, and 6.5 years as GM at Patricia’s of Holmdel.

Amanda believes dining is one of life’s most meaningful moments—a time to connect, laugh, and savor great food while creating lasting memories. Whether crafting the perfect cocktail or curating unforgettable dining experiences, her energy and enthusiasm inspire her team and delight every guest.

Outside the restaurant, Amanda channels her creativity into Moonlit Mantras, her organic tea company specializing in healing blends and seasonal flavors. For Amanda, hospitality is more than a profession—it’s a way of life she joyfully shares with everyone who steps through the door.