Discover ... the Best of Lodi, the Delta and the Mother Lode

Edible, incredible Lodi offers food treats for finicky feasters

Lodi may be livable and lovable, but it's also loaded with local delicacies just waiting to be discovered.

With menu options widely ranging from burgers and fries to cajun cooking, there is something palate pleasing for anyone.

Just feast your eyes on this:

Deli delight: If a quick soup or sandwich is your thing, check out Key's Kitchen (101 N. Guild Ave.) A fast-paced, cheery environment, Key's is a great place to blend paninis and people watching. Located off Pine Street east of Highway 99, this is a key lunch locale for friends, young people and employees on their lunch break who need to eat in a hurry.

Chinese to please: For a sit-down or take-out treat, try Ming Sing (840 W. Lodi Ave.) With booth and table seating, this stand-alone building is not only conveniently located, but relatively inexpensive. Good service, a lot of menu options and some killer crab and cream cheese Rangoon will have you singing for your supper.

Burger bests: American cuisine connoisseurs will love Andre's Cafe (722 W. Lodi Ave.) which boasts burgers, appetizers and salads. French fry fanatics will be happy to discover a new twist on the old favorite with different flavors that put plain potatoes to shame.

Nicole Alexander, a cashier for A&W, holds up a tray with a hambruger, fries and the famous root beer float during the lunchtime rush. (Jennifer M. Howell/News-Sentinel)

Marvelous Mexican for the peso pincher: Mar y Tierra (translation Sea and Land) at the south-east corner of Central Avenue and Eden Street (and a second location at the south-west corner of Church Street and Kettleman Lane), offers lunch and dinner fare that is low on price and high on quality. For example, quesadillas packed with meat, beans, lettuce, guacamole and cheese come with rice and beans on the side for under $3.

Hip hopps hooray!: In business for more than a year now, Lodi Beer Company (105 S. School Street) is the best place to wash good food down with even better beer. Blending lush, old-fashioned ambiance with some modern meal combinations, the Beer Company gives customers a peek at the brewing process, minus the mess. Menu items include burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips and tons of beer-battered goodies.

Sushi success: If you're looking for authentic, high-quality sushi that won't leave you yen-less, try Matsuyama Sushi (235 Lakewood Mall.) This small but busy eatery has an extensive menu that includes rolls, sushi and sashimi or cooked dishes, such as chicken teriyaki, for land lubbers.

Little bit of everything: You'd have to visit the Golden Ox (410 W. Kettleman Lane) to know why this restaurant is one of Lodi's "can't miss" establishments. From Greek gyros to Denver omelets, this eclectic menu has something for everyone, including carne asada tacos, Ruben sandwiches and homemade meatloaf. Aside from cuisine, Golden Ox has the town's best visuals, including an extensive model train collection.

Rootbeer birthplace: Opened in 1919 by Roy Allen, the A&W restaurant is where A&W rootbeer as we know it today had its start. Today the restaurant, located at 216 E. Lodi Ave., is a good place for good ol' American grub, from hamburgers and fries to fish and shrimp. For traditionalists, however, rootbeer floats are always available.

Romantic dining: Looking for a place to spend time with the one you love? You might want to try the intimately cozy Rosewood Bar and Grill (28 S. School St.) With a lot of choices, from grilled sirloin and spaghetti to pot pie and prime rib, this menu has something for most everyone. But be sure to save room for dessert, where you can pick peach crisp, mousse or chocolate peanut butter cake with milk.

Slice of heaven: For pizza lovers, Rick's New York Style Pizza (1320 Ham Lane in the Lakewood Mall) is a must-eat. Thin and crispy crust creations come with generous toppings. Rick's is also a great place to hang out, catch a game on TV or play video games. The spacious dining room accommodates large parties.

Sandwich savvy: If you like butcher-shop quality sandwiches, but never seem to be satisfied with standard fare, try Fiori's Butcher Shoppe (400 W. Lodi Ave.) This locally owned deli not only has 30+ sandwiches, but also offers lots of extras and sides for those who like to customize. Where else, for example, will you find a sandwich called "Rambo" (salami, cream cheese, pickles, red onion, lettuce and tomato)?

Mountains of chocolate: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (115 School St., Suite 4) has chocolate confections for any sweet tooth and isn't afraid to experiment. In addition to tried and true fudge favorites, try chocolate covered pretzel rods, caramel apples covered with M&Ms or pick Fido up some dog biscuits coated in white chocolate (safe for canines) and rainbow sprinkles. Most offerings come in white, dark and milk chocolate varieties.

For cookie monsters: "C" is for cookie at Rollin' in Dough (425 N. Sacramento St.) where you can buy gourmet cookies separately or by the dozen. Just a sampling of some of the cookie types include lemon pecan, coconut macadamia, peanut butter-double chocolate chunk as well as five different versions of chocolate chip (including semi-sweet and white chocolate.) Also available is a deli menu, chocked full of sandwiches, soups and salads.