Quinn questions the value of a seven inch matzah ball in a $33 bowl of chicken soup?

A few days ago Connie and I went to a unique NJ restaurant for a light dinner.

We each had a root beer, we shared a pastrami and turkey sandwich and one bowl of matzah ball soup. The bill was $108 before tip. Now you know why Harold’s NY Deli is unique. 

Have you concluded it is a upscale, white table cloth place or just a rip off? Now, the rest of the story. 

The sandwich is so large they give you six extra slices of bread to break it down. We made two stacked-high sandwiches out of half of it. The soup comes in a large bowl with a matzah ball 7” in diameter, two individual bowls and a huge ladle. 

Nothing they sell is actually for one person or two for that matter. A pickle bar comes with each meal.

On the breakfast menu one pancake is $24.95, but it’s the size of a Mini-Cooper tire.

If you want desert be warned, the cakes are fourteen inches high. A slice of carrot cake is $28.95 – designed for 2-4 people they say. 

I wonder the reaction of a new customer not knowing what they are getting into. The menu has meals for $100 and more – for several people or a few nights at home, but you need to read the fine print to learn that. The Hungarian Goulash dinner is $112.95

When people leave with their leftovers, it looks like they are carrying a weeks groceries. We have 3/4 of a matzah ball, a half gallon of soup and fixings for two large sandwiches in the fridge. They even give you a cup to take home what’s left of your drink if you like. Take some pickles and slaw too. 

It’s a marketing gimmick, but it works and it’s fun-as long as you can use the leftovers – and don’t pass out at the first glance of the menu. 

Is there value? Probably not. I suspect some of those leftovers are thrown out. One thing for sure, this place is not for dieters or healthy eating choices.

On the other hand, two meals for two people comes to $27 each – but it’s still just soup and a sandwich.