more than 100 years. It has been winning awards for generations,while also attract- ing families, Italian food aficionados and corporate groups, small and large.
Ryan Rubino, owner and general manag- er of Ralph’s of South Philly at Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel in King of Prussia, rep- resents the fifth generation of his family heritage. The restaurateur thoroughly enjoys blending Old World classics with contemporary dishes at his new site opened less than two years ago.
The original Ralph’s in Philadelphia is the oldest Italian restaurant in America, Rubino notes with pride. “Hotel guests don’t necessarily care about the history, so we combine old foods - veal parmesan, mussels in red sauce, chicken sorrento - with new dishes,”he notes. “This allows us to remain true to our same old self and be innovative, as well. The Italian hearth warmth of the past is a nice match for today’s ambience.”
The King Prussia corporate corridor buzzed with rave reviews for Ralph’s over the past holiday season. “We were fully booked every day and every night with business luncheons and dinners,”remarks Rubino. “We also are holding a lot of per- sonal
events...The menus mix old school with modern and are served family style.”
Ralph’s largest event to date has been the kickoff of last fall’s Main Line Restaurant Week, a collection of prix fixe menus showcasing chefs throughout Philadel- phia’s western
suburbs.The party, held in the restaurant’s bar and lounge, played host to 400 guests.
“We served an impressive cheese plate and butlered veal and chicken parmesan,” says Rubino. “There were pasta stations, spicy fried Sicilian calamari and canno- lies. The Eagles’ game was on at the bar, and people mingled and had a really good time. It was amazing. Jam packed. Every conceivable demographic profile was represented, and we gained quite a few new regular patrons. We never did anything this big before, but it was well worth the effort.”
Ralph’s already has numerous bookings for 2014,all for sit-down events. A sample
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 29
A top choice for corporate dining, Ralph’s of South Philly at the SheratonValley Forge in King of Prussia is highly sought after for its fine Italian specialties
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