The day was January 20th. The year was 1993 ~ twenty-six years ago. This was the day and year that the culinary landscape of Warwick changed forever, and when a new community of friends and family was born.

January 20, 1993 was the day that Rickie and Judy Chin first opened the doors of Jade Dragon Restaurant, their new restaurant on Warwick Avenue. They welcomed customers then who would, in time, become their biggest fans and closest of friends. These curious newcomers came to taste the food from the kitchen of Rickie and have been coming back for generations ever since.

One of the longtime regulars at Jade Dragon Restaurant is Ron Martin, a “hometown boy” who grew up in the Meadowbrook neighborhood and has been a loyal friend of the Chin’s since its very beginning. Ron captures the magic of this enduring landmark when he describes the food of Rickie Chin and the hospitality of Judy Chin. “Rickie is the heart of the back of the house and Judy is the heart of the front of the house. Together, they have created a sense of community where everyone feels welcome and the food is always fresh, consistently delicious and an unbeatable value.”

Of Judy, Ron joins a chorus of people who love her tropical drinks. He calls her a “Master Mixologist”! Judy’s specialty drinks are simply “beyond compare ~ they cannot be replicated”! Ron is also quick to praise Judy for the kindness and generosity she extends to her many guests. She knows something about every one of them, and remembers them from visit to visit, from age to age. Fans of Jade Dragon who have moved away are not forgotten by Judy, and many of them return here just to see her. The Jade Dragon family is close-knit and unique in a world that is constantly being crowded out by large restaurant chains.

At Jade Dragon, diners will find countless irresistible main dishes as well as an extensive list of finger-licking-good appetizers, thirty-eight different combination platters, and many other tempting options! Seasonal specials also regularly make it on the menu and there is even a full slate of “American-style” fare available, from juicy burgers to the classic BLT. . . and so much more. The food, straight from Rickie’s spotless kitchen, is simply “fabulous”!

February 5th marks another celebration at Jade Dragon Restaurant – the Chinese New Year! Judy invites young and old, friend and stranger alike to join the celebration of the “Year of the Pig” with the whole Jade Dragon family. Come and welcome the New Year!

Jade Dragon Restaurant is located at 1982 Warwick Avenue. Hours are Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday from 11 am -10 pm; and Friday & Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm. Closed on Mondays. Delivery is available with a $15.00 minimum purchase. To place a take-out order, call 732-9595. Visit their website at www.jadedragonri.com.