Cool Treats: Ralph's Famous Italian Ices

It's cold and there's snow on the way, so why not talk about frozen treats, right? It may seem like our timing is off a bit, but Ralph's Famous Italian Ice Owner Donna Farina assures us that there is more to her Sea Girt Square shop than ices, which, she adds, are still a great treat no matter what time of year.

We caught up with Donna for this installment of Spotlight On Wall. And we're always looking for new suggestions for businesses, organizations or people in Wall for this column. Please send them to: keith.brown@patch.com

1.) There's stiff competition in the Italian Ice business, from what I can tell. What makes your Italian Ice better than your competition?

Ralph's Famous Italian Ices has been making great tasting quality Italian Ice since 1928. They only use the freshest and finest ingredients. Unlike our competition, we hand scoop our ices, they do not come out of a machine. We offer a huge variety of flavors. In fact, we have more than 120 flavors to choose from. Our Water Ices are Fat Free, Cholesterol Free and Gluten Free. Our Cream Ice (which are creamy in texture but not heavy like ice cream) are low fat.  They both are equally low calorie.

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Name: Ralph's Famous Italian Ices

Owner: Donna Farina

Address: 2100 Route 35, Wall, in the Sea Girt Square Center

Hours: Winter: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sun-Thurs.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Summer: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. everyday.

Phone: (732) 449-2915

Email: Donnasices@aol.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/seagirtralphs

Twitter: @RalphsSeaGirt 

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2.) Long ago, in the Before Times, there was something called a "Malt Shop" where people, mainly kids, would go to get a treat and hang out. Is Ralph's this type of business?

Ralph's Sea Girt's clientele is very diverse. We have from strollers to seniors enjoying our delicious desserts and friendly atmosphere. While sitting enjoying your dessert , you can relax and watch TV, listen to music or access the Internet with our Free WiFi. It is a neighborhood place for all ages. 

3.) What's the oddest flavor of Italian Ice you have?  And what's your personal favorite?

Odd flavor: Gummi Bear Cream Ice. My personal favorite Water Ice is Watermelon, and in Cream Ice, Vanilla Peanut Butter.

4.) Clearly Italian Ice is the backbone of the operation, but do you have other things as well?

We also offer a nice selection of Ice Cream, Yogurt, Sundaes, Shakes, Smoothies, which include a Gluten Free Menu and a No Sugar added menu.

As if that is not enough, we also offer our "We Make it Hot" menu of Coffee, Chai Teas, assorted Hot Chocolates, Espresso, Lattes,  Cappuccino and our Infamous “Hot Chocolate Iceberg” (Soft Serve Ice Cream or Yogurt, floating in Hot Chocolate topped with our Homemade Whipped Cream)

5.) Why choose a Wall Township location? What about this community made you open up here?

Being a Wall resident since 1996, and having a dream of selling these ices, I decided to open within my own community and introduce my favorite Italian Ice to Wall Township and the surrounding communities of the Jersey Shore. I am pleased to say that I made a good choice.