Garden State Plaza Launches Its First Ever Foodie Week

Remember the days when the only thing you’d grab at a mall was a free sample of chicken teriyaki or a neon‑colored Orange Julius? Those memories feel almost prehistoric now, especially when you hear that Westfield Garden State Plaza is rolling out its very first “Foodie Week.”

Running from September 16 through September 27, the 10‑day event spotlights 24 different restaurants – from quick‑serve staples to upscale dining rooms – all tucked under the same roof. As William Lewis, the plaza’s marketing director, put it, “It’s a little something for every palate, sweet and savory.” And he’s right: whether you’re after a refined two‑course lunch at The Capital Grille or a casual bite from the food court, there’s a deal waiting for you.

One of the quirkiest offerings comes from Chick‑fil‑A, which has fashioned a prix‑fixe‑style plate for $16 (or $16.50 for the spicy version). The combo includes a sandwich, five nuggets, two chicken strips, a side of waffle fries and a sample of a s’mores milkshake. It’s a playful twist on the chain’s usual menu, and it feels oddly festive for a mall setting.

For those craving a taste of fine dining without the full price tag, The Capital Grille is serving a two‑course lunch for $32, complete with a starter and entrée, plus a wine‑tasting hour on Sept. 22. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is pairing a Maine lobster roll with a featured wine for $38, while Seasons 52 is offering three‑course lunches at $30 and dinners at $39, showcasing seasonal ingredients that change with the calendar.

But the savings aren’t limited to the high‑end. Baked By Melissa is handing out $5 off any order over $20, Bao Babies gives a free fourth bao when you buy three, and Firehouse Subs throws in a complimentary soda with any sub. Even the ice‑cream lovers get in on the action – Haagen‑Dazs offers a free mini cup with a $20 purchase.

Other notable mentions include:

• Fogo de Chão – an all‑you‑can‑eat meat experience for $54 per person.
• Neiman Marcus (The Rotunda) – a three‑course truffle‑infused dinner for $40.
• Shake Shack – a free shake when you spend $10 or more.

And because a good meal is always better with a little extra, several spots are tossing in freebies: a complimentary churro from Carlitos, a free regular sushi roll from Dumpling Café when you spend $40, and a free lemonade from Wetzel’s Pretzels after a $20 spend.

In short, Foodie Week turns a regular shopping trip into a culinary scavenger hunt. Whether you’re a local looking for a new lunch spot or a visitor hunting for a tasty break from retail therapy, the plaza’s line‑up promises something memorable.

So the next time you head to Garden State Plaza, consider strolling past the usual electronics aisle and into the aromas wafting from the food court. You might just discover your new favorite dish – and a decent discount to go with it.