Homestead

I travel for work, so whenever I land in a new spot, I hit up the apps which tell me where's good to eat.  I found a few positive comments about this place so I figured I'd give it a shot.  

From the outside, The Homestead looks a farmhouse turned restaurant.  There's a fence and hedges around the place and as a newbie, I had to circle the building on foot a few times until I found what I suspected might be the entrance.  When I entered, I was still a little confused as I had to walk up a few stairs and enter what seemed like it might have been the back door of the restaurant.  (No hostess stand or anything.). It took a few minutes to be noticed by the woman tending the bar, but when she saw me she welcomed me in and offered me a place to sit, a table by the bar or in the "front room".  Traveling solo, I opted to sit AT the bar, rather than occupying a full table I ordered a glass of wine, and was offered a menu.

While I waited, I took a few minutes to look around.  The place is dated for sure. But I never judge a book by its cover.  The interior looks like someone's bungalow from the 60's.  Wooden paneling and Formica countertops, and pictures of family members and pets on the wall.  Theres also a funny musty sorta smell that reminded me of grandma's leaky basement.  (Oddly comforting, but perhaps unpleasant without my personal association.) The dining area looks small, but I spotted the  occupancy permit on the wall which approves 256 people; so I guess it's bigger than meets the eye...  (Though my gut tells me it's been years since this place has been in danger of reaching a full house.)

The bartender returned with the menu and I discreetly snapped the attached picture.

Based on other reviews, I opted to order the broasted chicken which some have called the best they've had.  (Not familiar with "Broasting?". Read this, its pretty neat: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fbroaster&s=be780215d8826c95a34a595cd86baa3df0cbdc5eb1ef890658eb424d79f424c6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/broas…</a> .)

The bartender asked me to wait while she got a server, and after a few awkward moments, two younger kids came by to take my order.  (I assume one was training the other.)  I placed the order and was asked "To-go, right?" To which I declined, as I planned to eat in.

I was offered soup or salad and selected soup.  My choices were Chicken Rice or Split Pea.  Anxious to escape the mundane I tried the Pea.

Now the food:
My server tandem returned bearing a tray.  The soup was pretty tasty.  Thick and slightly salty with pieces of chopped ham.  It was served with a roll (a 6" subroll) that was brushed with garlic sauce, (some hours ago as it was cold and had become soggy).  After a quick nibble, I held off and set my sights on the forthcoming chicken I had high hopes for.

It took about 20 minutes for the chicken to arrive (which is actually a good sign that they broasted this batch just for me!) I snapped a picture of that too.  Four pieces slightly breaded, and crispy--looked a little hard cooked but tasty.  The meat was very juicy and flavorful, which was just what I hoped for.  I should have skipped the soup though... No way I could polish off the chicken; but it definitely was coming home with me!

As my meal was offered with a potato choice, I ordered it with fries, and they were OK.  Served on a side plate.  What can you say about fries?  Nothing to write home about.

I ate and sipped my wine.  The bartender resurfaced to offer me more but I declined as  I overheard another waitress rattling off desserts.  My favorite, tiramisu is made in house and served here.  I'd much prefer to take some of that to-go!

Got my dessert, packed up my chicken, settled up and headed for my hotel room.  The tiramisu made for a nice TV treat.  It was good, but not the best.  A little dry around the edges and a tad too boozy flavored for me-- some places use
Kahlua instead of espresso on the cake layer.

If you're in the area, I'd definitely suggest giving the Homestead a go-- if for nothing more than to try broasted chicken-- But make sure you take it to go.  Sounds like that's what the locals do anyhow!

When I fist moved to this area The Homestead was a great restaurant. Keyword being "was". They have really fallen from what they once were. They used to have some of the best Lasagna in town. Now, I'd rather just stop at Jewel and get a Lean Cuisine. I don't know what they do whit their garlic bread, but most of the time it just tastes like burnt plastic.

Great staff. Great food. Terry does a great job making sure everyone is happy.