Justin Thomas’ favorite restaurant is coming to the Ryder Cup and here's how you can snag an ultra-exclusive reservation
Michael M. Santiago
Homefield advantage means everything at the Ryder Cup. Since 2008, the competition has seen just one away victory, with Team Europe springing an upset at Medinah in 2012. There’s various reasons for this. Home crowd, cultural familiarity, less jet lag, so on and so forth. This year at Bethpage Black, however, there will be a little extra home cooking … literally.
On Tuesday, the PGA of America announced they will be bringing Rao’s—quite possibly New York City’s most iconic (and hard to book) restaurant—to Bethpage Black. Sponsored by Crypto.com, Rao’s at the Ryder Cup will open after the conclusion of play each evening between 9/25-/9/28. The intimate, invitation-only experience is a note-for-note recreation of the 10-table East Harlem institution, from the ambiance to the service to the food. Rao’s Executive Chef Dino Gatto will oversee the menu, treating guests to world-class cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before a multi-course, family-style dinner.
“Rao’s has always been about family, tradition, and creating memories around the table,” said Frank Pellegrino Jr., Co-Owner, Rao’s. “We’re proud to bring that spirit to the Ryder Cup and share our story with a new audience.”
This is good news for U.S. captain’s pick Justin Thomas, who has been a longtime patron of Rao’s. He’s dined at the 114th-street haunt with all-star crews before and even had Rao's cater his 2022 PGA Championship Champions Dinner.
“We got seafood salad, baked clams and a house salad,” JT told Smylie Kaufman at the time. “For the main course, as a massive chicken parm fan, as you are, I didn’t want to have three chicken dishes, so I’m doing a penne vodka, the Rao’s meatballs, of course, the pork chop with the hot and sweet cherry peppers. Just incredible. Uncle Vincent’s lemon chicken. Just unbelievable. Naturally, some steak, sauteed broccoli. And then for dessert, we have Rao’s NY-style cheesecake and some mixed berries.”
Needless to say, JT and the rest of the U.S. will be eating good off the course at Bethpage Black. U.S. fans will be hoping they feast just as lavishly on it as well. If you’re headed to the Ryder Cup and would like to join the banquet, limited tables are available for parties of six, eight and 10. To inquire about reservations, email raosrydercup@intersport.global.