Harolds Deli, MORE PICS added !!! E.Brunswick,NJ , 2 visits!, good BEEF RIBS (who KNEW?!?

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (TnTinCT)

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 08:04:58 GMT

Ellen, the pics always do me in! Although I am in the land of great pizza, our deli options are sadly limited, and I consistently suffer from pastrami envy!! We're headed to the city with my nephew in April, and deli will be one of the first things on my list. He's never been, so am trying to compile a list of as many fabulous food experiences as we can manage in 2 and half days!

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ellen4641)

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:49:30 GMT

rpalmer1

Went by Harold's in East Brunswick today and it was closed. Sign said "Temporarily Closed". Found the one in Edison. Ordered the small pastrami reuben that was very good. i could smell the melted swiss as it was brought out. The pastrami is a close second to the Carnagie.

So glad to hear you enjoyed your pastrami reuben, rpalmer!
I thought it was odd that Harold was opening another Harold's "clone" only about 15 minutes from his Edison location....
That immediately raised eyebrows for me!!
Sure enough, it only lasted 8 months or so...

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (rpalmer1)

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:52:13 GMT

Went by Harold's in East Brunswick today and it was closed. Sign said "Temporarily Closed". Found the one in Edison. told the waitress I wanted coffee and was asked "Cream or Milk". A good start. Ordered the small pastrami reuben that was very good. i could smell the melted swiss as it was brought out. The pastrami is a close second to the Carnagie. The pickle bar was great and to my suprise I liked the health salad. The family next to me ordered a pancake. It was the size of a small pizza. Over all a great experience.

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ellen4641)

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:50:42 GMT

mar52

Ellen, If I'm counted, I'll be there in a minute.
If I only could!

You are definitely a favorite Roadfood pal!

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ellen4641)

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:56:35 GMT

rpalmer1

I may join you guys on the western Mass. tour. I am not a fan of Harrell's ice cream as the fudge is way too sweet.

I don't like things TOO sweet, either...

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (rpalmer1)

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:39:28 GMT

Ellen, thanks for answering all my questions. I may join you guys on the western Mass. tour. I am not a fan of Harrell's ice cream as the fudge is way too sweet.

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (MiamiDon)

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:11:58 GMT

I would have told her, "The $3.00 will be coming out of your tip."

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ellen4641)

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:39:19 GMT

rpalmer1

Ellen, I understand sharing is expected. Is the pickle bar included with the entree? If you split a sandwich does each person have to pay for the pickle bar? What is the process for getting condiments/bread for take home?

Yes, sharing is expected, and I'm proud to report that there is no extra charge for sharing at Harold's, either.

There is no extra charge for the pickle bar. I doubted there was a charge for the "sharer" to conquer the pickle bar. I just called Harold's right now to confirm.
The answer is "there is NO charge for the "sharer" to get the pickle bar".
The hostess reminded me , though, that the pickle bar is NOT available on "to go" orders. (they give you at least 5 pieces of rye bread, 2 pickles, mustard, and cole slaw with "to go" orders)
So it's MUCH better to eat IN, as one can also get the excellent HEALTH SALAD, hot cherry tomatoes, sauerkraut, etc..
(even if you only take a bite or two of your sandwich, and then proceed to ask for a take out container.......cause at least you'll be entitled to that great Health Salad!

When I just ordered my beef rib "app." to start with, the waiter said "Help youself to the salad bar"...
I asked the hostess just now on the phone if the pickle bar was included on appetizers. (did'nt know if the waiter was just being nice). She said YES.

Harold EXPECTS one to take home some extra rye bread slices from the pickle bar, to go along with all that leftover pastrami. I usually take home about 5 or so extra slices.
(I enjoy a slice with whipped butter on it, too!)

ORDERING TIPS: One regular sized pastrami (13 ounces) is really enough for 2 people. They can always say "We'll start off with one pastrami sandwich", and see how it goes. However, if they want the joy of leftover pastrami for the next day or so, they should each get their OWN sandwich! Personally, since I live almost 2 hours from a Harold's, I want to get the FULL effect (which means a full sandwich, so I can have leftovers) If one lives 20 minutes away, they can go almost anytime, so splitting makes more sense...
Or perhaps, one person should get the pastrami, and the other , the brisket..
And then divide it up amongst yourselves. (I was very impressed by the brisket.)

Hope this answers all your PASTRAMI questions for now, Rusty.
It was fun hanging out with you in CT last year...hope to "meat up" with you again soon. Perhaps you can join us for the WESTERN MASS tour on May 17th?

My sis just had an experience the other day at the Carnegie Deli, whereby my niece just wanted some hot chocolate. (she does'nt even eat read meat, and thus had absolutely NO interest in my sisters pastrami.
The waitress wanted to charge her a $3.00 sharing charge, (on top of the hot choc. price), even though she was'nt sharing! (just sitting and "sipping"...)
Finally, the waitress said "Okay, but if she even takes one bite of the sandwich, we'll have to charge you that fee".
My sis always had always loved the Carnegie.....this time a few things turned her off.
(she finally had her first bad experience) She felt like she got the "scraps" hidden in her pastrami reuben, and not even GOOD scraps, either..
fatty, hard to chew scraps. In retrospect, she said she should "start sending those kind of sandwiches back".. even if those food servers are like military officers..

Then the bill came, and the waitress barked a familiar spiel that my sis heard once before while with me there.......she said "You pay the cashier, and leave the TIP on the table". Only after hearing that voice give the SPIEL, did sis realized it was the same gal we once had; she said she would've switched sections if she knew ahead of time.. and that these "extra seasoned" food servers are not pleasant.
It's one thing when a food servers got a little "shtick", but it's another when it feels like one is getting a scolding...

I understand that there are a lot of International travelers that do not understand the art of tipping, and may think tips are included.
But my sister does'nt even give the aura of an international traveler.
and felt that the treatment was condenscending...
All this would'nt be so bad if she got a decent sandwich...
POOR sis, as she continued to FIERCELY defend the Carnegie, after I had told her about my less than stellar sandwich there last year.(I've since had the same great sandwiches I'm used to having).And now SHE has expererienced "offness"

All you roadfooders out there, just be GLAD if you have'nt hit the Carnegie on an off day yet! (or got an "off the mark" sandwich)

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (mar52)

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:17:58 GMT

Ellen, If I'm counted, I'll be there in a minute.

If I only could!

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ellen4641)

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:09:34 GMT

Baah Ben

How do you pass up a pastrami or corned beef sandwich for the beef ribs...With great difficulty I'd assume.

That's why I DO recommend that at least one in the party get the pastrami!
(espescially if it is a FIRST time visit) As his pastrami is the TOP specialty, IMO

In my case, I still had 1/2 my pastrami from the day before to bring home to AC. On my 2nd Harold's day, I had the beef ribs; I took the brisket and cheesecake to go. I'd been thinking of ordering another pastrami, but as it was, my bill was $45.00 for that 2nd day (felt like I got my moneys' worth, though!)
I'm still struggling with the rest of that cheescake slice, though...
wish some of my favorite Roadfooders lived nearby to stop over for coffee and cheesecake!!

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (Baah Ben)

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:24:55 GMT

Rusty - Great questions! Thanks!!

How do you pass up a pastrami or corned beef sandwich for the beef ribs...With great difficulty I'd assume.

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (rpalmer1)

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:37:05 GMT

Ellen, Do you have any ordering tips for first time visitors to Harold’s? I understand sharing is expected. Is the pickle bar included with the entree? If you split a sandwich does each person have to pay for the pickle bar? What is the process for getting condiments/bread for take home? Any of your thoughts would be appreciated. Rusty

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (Twinwillow)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:44:45 GMT

Ellen, those beef ribs look incredible. And, tender too. I could kill for one right know!

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ellen4641)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:51:09 GMT

P.S. Hey, MAR52, back to our HORSERADISH talk...
I just looked at the ingredients for my CREAMY mild horseradish, and it's made with some of the same ingredients as MAYO...
soybean oil, egg yolks..
So, if you are using the real HOT horseradish, and mixing it with mayo, it would EQUAL normal mild horseradish, anyway..
Your mom might cut you some slack on your mayo use now!!

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ellen4641)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:46:31 GMT

agnesrob

I knew Harold's was the place to go for great pastrami and briskit but that beef rib!

It had really surprised me, as well, when I googled "best BEEF RIBS in New Jersey", and Harold's Deli came up on top of the list...!!
cause a "Sir Duke" posted the FLICKR pic of his beef ribs

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (mar52)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:18:19 GMT

Awesome, it was HUGE! I've never seen one like that.

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ann peeples)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:33:33 GMT

I can honestly say I have never had beef ribs.That one looked awesome.The one rib looked like enough for me!

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (agnesrob)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:18:01 GMT

What a great report. I knew Harold's was the plkace to go for great pastrami and briskit but that beef rib! I will definately have to go for that. Beef ribs are my favorite. I make them at home because my kids like them better than pork ribs. Thanks for the info Ellen.

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (Twinwillow)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:54:03 GMT

brisketboy

Looking at all that beautiful deli food and remembering the deli's we grew up with in Chicago, it saddens me when I drive past this second rate "deli" we have here in Austin called Manny Hattan's. How quaint. I ate there once and when you compare the towering piles of pastrami and brisket in this report with the dismal excuse for a sandwich they serve here, makes ya wanna cry. (sniff)

BB, I have felt your pain. While visiting my son in Austin, we went there one time. Once was enough!

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ellen4641)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:15:08 GMT

The Travelin Man

ellen4641

I'd just known him 4 days, but I showered him with b-day goodies, and he even got a starring role in a Trip Report! What more could a guy ask for, huh?!?

A 19-year old sorority girl, with a full scholarship to Princeton, whose Daddy owns a bar?

And her granddaddy is a retiring CEO, who got a multimillion dollar severance package!

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (The Travelin Man)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:19:34 GMT

ellen4641

I'd just known him 4 days, but I showered him with b-day goodies, and he even got a starring role in a Trip Report! What more could a guy ask for, huh?!?

A 19-year old sorority girl, with a full scholarship to Princeton, whose Daddy owns a bar?

Just thinking out loud, of course.

Re:Harolds Deli, MORE PICS added !!! E.Brunswick,NJ , 2 visits!, good BEEF RIBS (who KNEW?!? (ellen4641)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:18:09 GMT

wmceaton

I am heading to NJ on business on 1/20 & will get the beef ribs this time...they look so good.

HI wmceaton,
Glad I inspired you for those beef ribs....and I was surprised that so far you've been the only one that remarked about them.......the beef RIB, I should say..
Wonder if you'll go for the GIANT rib on the app. menu, or the full beef ribs dinner.
Let us know how it goes. And perhaps, you'll still take out a pastrami to go...
I imagine good pastrami is hard to find in the Boston area, so go for it...

Re:Harolds Deli, MORE PICS added !!! E.Brunswick,NJ , 2 visits!, good BEEF RIBS (who KNEW?!? (wmceaton)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 09:29:37 GMT

Thanks for the Ellen...I have been to Harolds (Edison) many times, but I always got either the pastrami or the corned beef. I am heading to NJ on business on 1/20 & will get the beef ribs this time...they look so good.

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ellen4641)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 09:15:41 GMT

eggsactley

Fried pastrami and scrambled eggs...yum

Now that's a nice breakfast , as well...
welcome to Roadfood, eggsactley...although I see you've been a member for over 5 years already! So, I'll say, hope we'll see more posts from you, eggsactley.
Your screen name "eggs-actley" reflects that you DO like your EGGS!

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (eggsactley)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:12:26 GMT

Fried pastrami and scrambled eggs...yum

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ellen4641)

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:12:59 GMT

mar52

I haven't had a deli brisket sandwich in years. My mother cringes when she sees me put mayo on mine. Mayo and horseradish on fresh rye and it's outstanding!

I usually have about 3 or 4 bottles of various creamy horseradish brands in the fridge. I rarely cook, but I'm a person of many condiments!!!

On Harold's brisket, I put on some of the natual au jus, and a bit of the creamy horsey sauce. It was yummy!
Since mayo is "cool" to put on roast beef, I think it's okay to put some on brisket.
I usually opt for the horsey sauce, or even thousand island sometimes, (espescially if the brisket is in a "combo" sandwich).

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (mar52)

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:18:25 GMT

Strainer style rules!

I haven't had a deli brisket sandwich in years. My mother cringes when she sees me put mayo on mine. Mayo and horseradish on fresh rye and it's outstanding!

I think the delis of the San Fernando Valley are calling me.

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ellen4641)

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:12:26 GMT

wanderingjew
[/quote

Oh, I thought he was your new boyfriend.
You guys actually look like a couple this time.

I'd just known him 4 days, but I showered him with b-day goodies, and he even got a starring role in a Trip Report! What more could a guy ask for, huh?!?

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (ellen4641)

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:22:33 GMT

acer2x

I've never heard of the "strainer style." I'll have to try it.

It's refreshing that you were'nt familiar with it, Steve......as I felt a little embarrassed that I just found out about the joys of the "straining method" recently myself...

Re:Harolds Deli, E Brunswick,NJ for 2 visits ! BEEF RIBS (who KNEW??!?), etc.. (acer2x)

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:02:53 GMT

I've never heard of the "strainer style." I'll have to try it. Usually, I just heat up pastrami or corned beef in a fryng pan for a short time.