Brind Avan Indian Garden

I was very happy to have the opportunity to visit Brind Avan Indian Garden, one of Macon's fine Indian restaurants, this week. It had been a while since I'd been there - back before I started this blog - so I'm glad to have the chance to share it with you now.

Brind Avan, located at 5033 Brookhaven Road, Macon, is a pleasantly formal yet modest restaurant with smart, attentive service. We were welcomed and seated promptly and our Mango Lassis, Mango yogurt-style drinks, were brought immediately. They are delicious and surprisingly refreshing. Brind Avan's wait staff don't keep you waiting. They demonstrate attentive hospitality and are more than happy to explain items on the menu.

Between us, we ordered Lamb Biryani, Chicken Tikka Masala, and curried vegetables. The Biryani features Basmati rice and tender lamb which is delightfully seasoned. This dish doesn't have a lot of sauce, unlike the Tikka Masala which comes with lashings of creamy tomato curry sauce. The vegetable dish was spicier, but good even for those wary of spicy food. The menu offers plenty of variety and includes a few specialized regional dishes.

Pleasing to Hobbits, the portions were generous and nobody left hungry. In fact, even this Hobbit had to use a to-go box. Brind Avan is definitely a place to try and if you've never sampled Indian food before, you'll receive a well-guided introduction to this delicious cuisine of the World's master spice-blenders. Brind Avan gets busier on the weekend and later in the evening. You won't be disappointed.

Shahenshah Cuisine of India

A long time fan of Indian food, I had occasion to try one of Macon's Indian restaurants this week. Shahenshah Cuisine of India, located at 5022 Romeiser Drive, Macon, is convenient to Macon State and I475. Their web site boasts a "huge menu that can satisfy any size appetite." Now, the fantastic variety on the menu is indisputable, but to a hobbit the latter part of that boast is not so much a statement as a personal challenge. My anticipation for this visit built up over several days and by the time I got there, I certainly had a hobbit-worthy appetite.

My friend and I split the Assorted Appetizer (for two) which includes Samosas, Pakoras (fritters), and Papadum. This arrived swiftly with a selection of three delicious sauces. The appetizer provided a tremendous variety of flavors, was very tasty, and built strong anticipation for the main course.

We shared Lamb Rogan Josh and Fish Tikka Masala, accompanied with rice for the main course. Our server was kind enough to make recommendations from our shortlist of selections. The dishes were a fine example of Indian cuisine and were fresh, hot (temperature), and very nicely seasoned. A side of Naan and a drink of Mango Lassi (yogurt-based drink) rounded off this fantastic meal nicely.

The service was frequent and friendly, a true representation of the family business that Shahensha is. The food was delicious and yes, this Hobbit's appetite was satisfied, and then some. In fact, a meal such as this is best not rushed and the attentive service at Shahenshah's will make you happy to linger.