Hungry hearts: These Central NJ dishes are perfect for you and your Valentine
When you share it, there are no calories.
At least that's what you can tell yourself this Valentine's Day if you and your special someone indulge in one of these colossal plates for two on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
All year long, these Central Jersey restaurants serve up select dishes intended for couples or even groups. No matter the date, these huge plates collect stares from passersby. They may even inspire a "Lady and the Tramp" moment.
Check out these local meals intended for two this Valentine's Day.
Bandeja Mexicana at Tacos El Tio, Green Brook
Indecisive couples know just what to order at the new Tacos El Tio in Green Brook — the $46 bandeja Mexicana for two, which translates to “Mexican tray” for a good reason.
The dish, which often can’t even be finished by two people, said manager Victoria Del Valle, includes chorizo, chicken, skirt steak, shrimp, jalapenos, spring onions, fried queso, corn tortillas, avocado, Mexican red rice and black beans.
Del Valle said since it offers a little bit of everything, many people order it when they don’t know what to pick. Plus, since it also includes tortillas, they can eat it any way they choose.
“Every time a person who orders it sees it come out, they look flabbergasted and they’re like, ‘Oh my god, it’s so big!’ " said Del Valle. “Their eyes light up every time and I always laugh.”
Tacos El Tio does not currently have specials planned for Valentine's Day, but check the restaurant's Facebook and Instagram pages in case that changes. It's open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Feb. 14.
Go: 215 Route 22, Green Brook; 732-963-8887, tacoseltio.com.
'Big Time' at Grub Hut, Manville
With a portrait of a horse in a sombrero, a poster of hot sauces and a chalkboard of specials lining a wall, Grub Hut isn't exactly a popular spot on Valentine's Day.
"We're not very romantic. We look like a Mexican and barbecue restaurant, which is what we are," said Michael Johnston, owner.
But that doesn't stop couples from clamoring for the Big Time on the other 364 days a year. The $60 dish for two includes four ribs, brisket, a quarter of a smoked chicken, two burritos, two tacos and a quesadilla.
It's been on the menu since Grub Hut opened nearly two decades ago, and has often been the choice of first-time visitors since it's customizable and has a little bit of everything, said Johnston.
"We felt if you couldn't make a decision on what to order, we would help make the decision for you," he continued. "Usually, we hear an 'Oh my god' once it lands on the table."
Grub Hut will serve its regular menu on Valentine's Day during its regular hours, which are noon to 9 p.m.
Go: 307 N. Main St., Manville; 908-203-8003, grubhutbbq.com.
Festival de marisco at Portuguese Fisherman, South River
As Portuguese Fisherman owner Mark Silva puts it, sometimes the most simply-prepared dishes are the best. At least that's the case with the Portuguese restaurant's festival de marisco, a heaping platter of broiled seafood served on a silver platter for two for $96.
"It's the show-stopper," said Silva. "It occupies a lot of table real estate. It's very popular with couples and large parties."
The festival de marisco includes a whole stuffed lobster, a 7-ounce lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, clams and mussels all broiled together and seasoned with lemon, butter, garlic, paprika and peri-peri, a sauce popular in Portuguese and African cuisines.
Silva anticipates the festival de marisco, which translates to "seafood festival," to be one of the top-five most popular dishes on Valentine's Day.
The Portuguese Fisherman will offer several specials throughout Valentine's Day week and is open Feb. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Go: 11 Jackson St., South River; 732-238-5188, portuguesefisherman.com.
Dry-aged Porterhouse for two at Orchard Park by David Burke, East Brunswick
With trees wrapped in twinkling lights leading to the Orchard Park entrance, hand-blown Italian bubble chandeliers, an on-site hotel and plenty of French chateau vibes, celebrity chef David Burke's sole Central Jersey restaurant brings the romance no matter the day.
But on Valentine's Day, that ambiance is heightened — especially if there's a 34-ounce, dry-aged Porterhouse for two on the table.
The 3-inch thick steak, a Prime beef that is dry-aged for 40 days in a refrigerator lined with pink-Himalayan salt bricks, is on the modern American restaurant's regular menu for $135. It's also on its three-course $110-per-person Valentine's Day menu for an additional $25 per person.
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"It's one of our top selling dishes," said Burke. "Lovers love it because it is special. The presentation, the sharing, the flavor, the aroma — everything about it hits all the senses, making it a memorable meal."
Customers can also opt for the Valentine's Day Stay/Dine Package for $399 per couple, which includes a Valentine’s Day prix fixe dinner for two at the restaurant and an overnight stay at Chateau Grande Hotel, a free upgrade and a bottle of bubbly.
Orchard Park by David Burke will be open 4 to 10 p.m. for prix fixe Valentine's Day dinner.
Go: 670 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick; 732-554-5714, orchardparkbydb.com.
Prime brisket of beef pot roast at Harold's New York Deli, Edison
What’s romantic about a diner-style Jewish deli known for sandwiches with towering piles of meat?
Well, it’s likely been around since before you had a ring on your finger.
Twenty-five-year-old Harold’s New York Deli is a surprisingly busy spot on Valentine’s Day, serving about 2,000 guests, with many of them ordering the $107 prime brisket of beef pot roast in scratch-made brown gravy with potato pancakes and vegetables.
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Like all of the deli's dinners, it’s intended for two to four people, as the dish includes three pounds of meat. Harold’s Deli sells 3,000 pounds of the brisket per week, making it one of its best-selling items.
“Our brisket is U.S. Choice ... and we steam it for three hours until it’s nice and soft,” said owner Harold Jaffe. “It’s excellent and it’s a lot of value for what we charge. People don’t leave hungry. Two couples can eat it.”
Harold's Deli will serve its regular menu on Valentine's Day and is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Go: 1173 King Georges Post Rd, Edison; 732-661-9100, haroldsfamousdeli.com.
Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Valentine's Day restaurants in Central NJ: Where to eat for two
