Garwood's Grill Creations: Just Like Grandma Used to Make – In El Salvador

When restaurant owner Ivan Alvarez came to the U.S. from El Salvador 23 years ago, he brought a love of his native cuisine with him. After six years of owning and operating an Italian restaurant in Nanuet, New York, Alvarez was anxious to return to his roots and create a space where he could serve the dishes that were lovingly prepared for him by his mother and grandmother. 

Although he and his wife Janet reside in North Arlington, Alvarez said that some careful research revealed a need for a good, fresh Mexican/American restaurant in the Garwood area. Grill Creations, at 100 North Ave., first opened on Nov. 30. Alvarez says that after a slow start, business has been booming. He is thrilled when new customers tell him that their friend, mother or sister referred them to his establishment. 

At Grill Creations, diners can choose salads, tacos, tostados or burritos and select from chicken, salmon, steak, clams, scallops or shrimp with a variety of toppings and sauces. Grill Creations also serves a red or white seafood combination with shrimp, scallops, clams and mussels in tomato or lemon with white wine and garlic sauce. All of the dishes at Grill Creations are made to order and nothing is ever fried. You won’t find any freezers on the premises, a guarantee that fresh ingredients are always in the house. Alvarez is open-minded about his dishes and will create whatever the customer asks for.

When asked to choose his signature dish from the menu, Alvarez simply couldn't pick. “Every dish is very special," he says. "We only serve 10 things and each one is made with love.” But Alvarez does know that burritos and Grandma’s tostadas and are his best sellers. Prices range from $4.95 - $14.95.

And don't forget dessert: Try the pineapple split made with fresh pineapple, banana, vanilla and chocolate ice cream with whipped cream and caramel sauce served right in the fresh pineapple boat.