City Center New Brunswick Serving Up Romantic Getaways For Valentine's Day

There’s love – not to mention the aroma of fine fare and the sounds of couples laughing - in the air everywhere you turn in City Center, where Valentine’s Day arrives with great deals, live music, and endless opportunities for a romantic getaway.

Unless you are a restaurateur, apparently.

Anticipating a busy holiday weekend, Neil Glass, the owner and operator of Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe since 2004, planned an island getaway this past weekend.

He and Liz Chu, his wife and helping hand at the restaurant, spent a few days basking on the beach in St. Thomas.

The long hours and stress inherent to running a restaurant sometimes can reduce a hopeless romantic to just plain hopeless.

“That’s why it’s important to take some time to get away,” Glass said. “When we get time together, we like to see a show, go out for dinner with friends, and one of the things we really love to do is travel.”

Chu said she and Glass go out on adventures to find themselves again. And it doesn’t have to always be Caribbean Islands and exotic locales. Some of their most memorable trips have been exploring the restaurants of Vancouver and the waterfalls of Watkins Glen in northwestern New York.

But when they return to New Brunswick and get back to work, Glass and Chu are constantly proving that opposites definitely attract.

You’ll typically find the shier Glass paying bills, responding to emails, and completing those types of behind-the-scenes tasks. Chu loves dealing with customers and talking with vendors when placing food orders.

“It’s just what I do,” Chu said. “I can’t help it. I’ll chat with a customer. I’ll greet them and ask them, ‘Oh, have you guys been here before?’ And if they say no, I’ll say, ‘Well, welcome to the Harvest Moon Brewery.’ I’ll tell them a little about us.

“If they say yes, then I will say, ‘Well welcome back.’ I think that’s a nice touch. People seem to like it,” she added.

They’ll also like the Valentine’s Day special Harvest Moon is offering Feb. 11-14: a four-course dinner with a bottle of champagne for $100 per couple. The entrees include pork osso buco, pink peppercorn scallops, beef short rib Shepard’s pie, and Tuscan mushroom ravioli. The desserts include red velvet cake, vanilla bourbon crème brulee, and chocolate fudge cake.

For a list of Valentine’s Day specials and special events, visit City Center New Brunswick.

Here are some of the highlights:

Dinner and overnight stay with Christopher's Bar and Lounge in The Heldrich Hotel

Enjoy a five-course dinner including a champagne cocktail at Christopher's Bar and Lounge on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 6-8 p.m. seatings. Enjoy your champagne cocktail alongside an amuse-bouche lobster bisque, salad, appetizer, entrée of choice, and dessert for $150 per couple. Call 732-214-2276 to make reservations and find out more about the overnight stay packages at theheldrich.com.

“Casablanca” in concert with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

Here’s your chance to see the classic “Casablanca” on the big screen, with live orchestral accompaniment at the State Theatre New Jersey on Sunday, Feb. 13. Cozy up with a loved one as you relive the story of Rick and Ilsa's love. Tickets are available STNJ.org.

A weekend of specials at The Frog & The Peach.

The restaurant at 29 Dennis Street is offering the following Valentine’s Day specials:

Friday, Feb. 11: a la carte and special Valentine's weekend prix fixe menu

Saturday, Feb. 12: a la Carte and Special Valentine's Weekend Prix Fixe Menu

Sunday, Feb. 13: Special Valentine's prix fixe brunch (closed dinner because of Super Bowl)

Monday, Feb. 14: special prix fixe dinner menu

For reservations, call 732-846-3216 or visit frogandpeach.com

Love, paint, and sip

Create something special with someone special to you at Above Art Studios with the guidance of an experienced art instructor. Music will be provided by DJ Kiss Me I’m Famous and food will be served. (It’s BYOB for guests). All materials will be provided.

For tickets, visit aboveartstudios.com

Flower arrangements from Redwood Florist

Redwood Florist has everything you need for this Valentine's Day! Visit their website at redwoodflorist.com to place an order for local delivery or pick-up. You can also call the shop directly at 732-545-6000 to place your order. The shop has a large selection of roses, plush, balloons, plants, and more.

Story by: Chuck O'Donnell
Photo Credit: Liz Chu