And Oh, That View!

Weddings and other events starting at just $12.95 per person? Yes! At the Olde River Yacht Club, budget-conscious couples are treated to exceptional food, affordable prices, five-star service...

By: Ken McEntee
Date: 09/24/2009
Dave Epifano, owner of Alfonso’s Restaurante, in Middleburg Heights, has delighted customers for almost three decades with the simple concept of “great food, priced better.” When Dave’s daughter got married in 2005, he used the occasion to see whether his concept would work in the catering business as well.

“I used the wedding as a test,” he recalls. “I found that we could keep the quality high and the price low by using fresh food from local suppliers, just like we did the in restaurant.”
It worked.

During the last four years, Alfonso’s has brought its successful formula to the catering business, handling parties on and off site. This year, Alfonso’s expanded its catering services to a handful of event centers, including the charming Olde River Yacht Club, right on the Cuyahoga River near Downtown Cleveland.

“It’s a very upscale location, but without the upscale pricing,” Dave insists. “This is not your run-of-the-mill party center. We’re right on the water in a secluded environment, elegantly appointed and enclosed in glass, with a gorgeous view of the beautiful boats and the marina. If you’re looking for something different with a ‘wow’ factor, this is the place to be.”

And, keeping with Dave’s no-gouge philosophy, these windows on the river won’t sink your wallet.

For $12.95 a person, the Olde River Yacht Club offers salad, fresh bread with butter and a homemade dipping sauce, one pasta or potato selection, vegetables, a finger pastry, beverage and a choice of a chicken, beef or pork entrée. For a couple of dollars more, you can add another meat selection.

“Most of our competitors start at $25 or more,” Dave says. “Why should you pay any more than you need to?
When we host your party, you’ll be served family style and get your meal piping hot in 15 to 20 minutes. It’s quick, hot and delicious.”

The restaurant at the yacht club—also operated by Alfonso’s—is winding down for the season, but the party center is open year-round.

“It’s perfect for holiday parties, baptisms, weddings and showers, birthdays, retirement parties and any other event,” Dave says.

Booking your event is smooth sailing. All you have to do is call Dave directly on his cell phone, at 440-821-6145.

“By calling my personal cell phone, you will get personal assistance from the owner,” he promises. “You’re not going to have to press ‘1’ for this or ‘2’ for that like at some other places. I have more respect for your business than that.”

As a special offer for Mimi’s clever readers, when you book your event at the Olde River Yacht Club, Dave will extend a complimentary seasonal social membership—a $250 value. The club offers swimming, a hot tub, a cabana bar and special events, like clambakes.

Olde River Yacht Club, located minutes from Downtown, is Cleveland’s premier deep-water dockominium and yearly-lease yacht club. With more than 190 slips, the club can accommodate almost any size vessel. The facility is located at 4900 Whiskey Island Drive. You can find out more about the Olde River Yacht Club by visiting www.olderiveryachtclub.com. To learn more about Alfonso’s you can visit  www.alfonsosrestaurante.com, or call 440-821-6145.

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