Description and review of Richmaid Restaurant, a family-owned restaurant in Lodi, CA that is famous for their Broasted Chicken.
Forty-plus members of the Sacramento Renaissance Society took a day trip to Lodi recently for lunch at the Richmaid Restaurant. The Richmaid Restaurant is known for their home-style cooking – and in particular their broasted chicken.
The Back Story
The building housing Richmaid Restaurant was originally built by the Hansen family as a creamery – churning out ice cream utilizing a family recipe they brought with them from Germany. The restaurant was established in 1938. The popular Richmaid Ice Cream Company and Fountain served fountain treats as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The restaurant and building were purchased by Janet and Gary Crow in 1998. Our group had the opportunity to meet and talk with the couple that day before lunch. They shared with us the history of the building and restaurant, as well as the process involved to produce broasted chicken.
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What is broasted chicken?
I had heard of broasted chicken, but that day was the first time I had the opportunity to taste it. Gary explained that they brine, season and batter the chicken, and it is then pressure-fried in a patented Broaster Pressure Fryer.
The end result is delicious and moist lightly battered chicken that is similar to fried chicken, but not greasy.
Gary also shared that the couple had purchased a single broaster pressure fryer, but then purchased a second one in order to keep up with demand. The two broaster pressure fryers represent an equipment investment of $50,000!
Richmaid Restaurant
The Richmaid Restaurant has a 50’s vibe, with small town charm. The restaurant is known for making all of their dishes from scratch, including sauces, gravies, and salad dressings.
We were a largish group, so we were seated in the large side room. On the pre-arranged menu was a choice of Broasted Chicken or Meat Loaf. Vegetarians and vegans ordered off the menu.
With few exceptions, everyone ordered the Broasted Chicken 3-piece meal (breast, thigh and wing). I certainly was not going to pass up the opportunity to try the chicken as that is their specialty!
Also on the menu that day:
- Mixed green salad with choice of dressing
- Mashed potatoes with country gravy
- Vegetable (corn)
- Dessert (apple crisp with home-made whipped cream)
The broasted chicken was both juicy and tasty. I also thought that the House salad dressing and the mashed potatoes with country gravy were delish. The portions were generous, and I was not the only one who asked for a container for leftovers.
During our time at the restaurant several members of our group shared their personal stories about the Richmaid Restaurant and growing up in Lodi.
Historic Downtown Lodi
After lunch the majority of the group headed to nearby Historic Downtown Lodi. I had visited Lodi in the past while on business, but had never spent much time there. School Street, the town’s main street, is really cute!
A number of us stopped by the Lodi Brewing Company to sample a brew, and then afterwards some of us took a walk around the downtown area. I needed to walk off lunch!
Downtown Lodi is a great place to stroll and check out the multitude of restaurants and shops – antique shops, art galleries, tasting rooms (wine and beer) and specialty shops (vintage and modern clothing boutiques, cheese, etc.).
Lodi is a well-established grape-growing region, producing over 100 varietals. It is also home to numerous wineries. I am a big fan, in particular, of the region’s old vine Zinfandel.
Several of us stopped by the Downtown Visitor Information Center and picked up assorted brochures. There certainly appears to be a variety of interesting and fun things to see and do in the immediate area. I look forward to visiting Lodi again in the future.
Comments on the Richmaid Restaurant?
Do you have a favorite dish or dishes at the Richmaid Restaurant? Any comments to add?
Richmaid Restaurant Snapshot:
- 100 South Cherokee, Lodi, CA 95240
- (209) 368-4279
- Hours: Monday (6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.); Tuesday – Saturday (6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.); Sunday (6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
- Menu
- Parking: Parking Lot & Street Parking
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