The wife and I paid a visit to Ralph's last night for a relaxing dinner.
We started in the comfy bar for cocktails. She had a appletini and I had an old fashioned. I really like it when a restaurant is sensible with their drink prices. The total for both drinks was $13. Compared to the suffering that I endured the night before at Cheesecake bistro while waiting for a to go order in which I paid $9.99 for a simple dirty martini, this seemed like a great deal to me.
For dinner, I had turtle soup and the new york strip. The wife had the farmers market salad, pork tenderloin, and creme brulee as part of the sunset dining deal.
Everything was pretty good, with the turtle soup being better that I was expecting and the steak being a little ordinary for the price. When I pay $39 for a cut of meat, I would like it to be prime meat, or at least great quality, but this cut was a little weak. I guess the price is because of it being naturally raised or some such. Oh well, the flavor was good and the glass of Chateau St. Jean Cabernet went very well with it.
Overall, I get the feeling Ralph's is struggling. Their menu seems to have gotten much smaller since the last visit a few years back and the choices seem kind of boring. The $25 3 course sunset deal is worth the trip, but I am not really in any hurry to rush back.
Ralph's on the Park
Re: Ralph's on the Park
I agree with your assessment that they seem to be struggling. My last couple of visits have been marked by fairly average food and consistent below average service. I think the bar may be the best place to be here, as the times I've eaten in the bar have all seemed to be better than the ones in the dining room, especially on the service side.
The last time I went, I pulled up to what I thought was an open spot on City Park Ave which apparently was just the valet pickup area so I went ahead and gave him my car. As I drank in the bar waiting for the rest of my party I watched him park it right across the street. Well, during the meal the valet had apparently left for the night without telling anyone or putting my keys where they could be found. To top it off, he had moved my car to a side street for some strange reason, so initially I thought me car had been stolen. Eventually, we found the car on a side street but they had still not found my keys. Finally, 30 minutes later they found my keys and I was able to leave. It was a real clown act.
The last time I went, I pulled up to what I thought was an open spot on City Park Ave which apparently was just the valet pickup area so I went ahead and gave him my car. As I drank in the bar waiting for the rest of my party I watched him park it right across the street. Well, during the meal the valet had apparently left for the night without telling anyone or putting my keys where they could be found. To top it off, he had moved my car to a side street for some strange reason, so initially I thought me car had been stolen. Eventually, we found the car on a side street but they had still not found my keys. Finally, 30 minutes later they found my keys and I was able to leave. It was a real clown act.
Re: Ralph's on the Park
I agree with both of the above. Last time we were there food was mediocre at best and service was sloppy. However, the bar is a delight.
Re: Ralph's on the Park
To bad. The location is a nice view and they used to be top notch.
Re: Ralph's on the Park
It is, in my opinion, the most beautiful restaurant in the city. The location is phenomenal, and the bar is great. I really hope they can pull it all together again.