Lemongrass Thai Bistro

Long-awaited by the drooling masses, Lemongrass Thai Bistro opened last Tuesday at it's 442 Cherry Street, Macon location. Keep your eyes peeled as you cruise Cherry Street, because the frontage is modest in size. To overlook it would constitute a heinous, nay criminal, deprivation of the taste buds. It's on the right, about half-way as you travel from 3rd Street to MLK Blvd.

The cozy, modern interior is uncluttered and tasteful, with clean lines and a calm ambiance. The team of new waitstaff is eager to serve and quick to provide explanation about any item on the menu. We chose the appetizers recommended by our server: spring rolls and purses of mushrooms (having trouble remembering the name, but it's something like "bags of money" or words to that effect). These were very fresh and tasty. The spring rolls were light and delightfully cooked with a notable absence of greasiness. The mushrooms in their crisp pastry purses were flavorful and balanced with a spicy sauce. Delicious!

For the entree, I chose the traditional Thai Clay Pot (one of the specials) which consists of rice noodles, shrimp, bacon, and a variety of vegetables. This hearty meal was very satisfying with complimentary flavors and textures, and well-balanced seasoning. My co-diners selected the Masaman Curry (chicken) and something (the name escapes me again) like sour bamboo with ground beef. I sampled both of these dishes and each bespoke quality - I'd be glad to select them on my imminent return visit.

The menu offered much variety and this means lots of return visits for me. As good as the food is, I fear a line may form down Cherry Street for the chance to eat at Lemongrass Thai Bistro. This fine eatery has filled a culinary niche in Macon's repertoire of restaurants and will no doubt be frequented by many. Check them out on Facebook too.

Tokyo Alley

Call me "Boomerang" - I returned to Tokyo Alley in downtown Macon twice last week. I even ate the same dish on both occasions! If you try it, you might be inclined to do the same.

The Masaman curry is a permanent feature on the evening menu and a frequent special at lunch. This Thai chicken curry boasts an outstanding sauce which combines the robust flavor of peanuts and the subtle flavor of coconut milk, amongst other well-chosen spices. Served with rice and a pasta salad, this dish is testimony to the quality of food produced at this delightful little restaurant. Masaman curry is not particularly spicy so it will satisfy those who are wary of curries that put out some heat. If you like Indian Korma, Masaman will be sure to please and would make a fine introduction to Thai food. As for me, I'll be back for more!

Tokyo Alley

I just couldn't resist returning to Tokyo Alley in downtown Macon again! The memory of its atmosphere, service, and intense flavors preyed upon my mind until it dominated my thoughts! I surrendered to the urge on Thursday lunchtime and trotted down there to satisfy my craving! This time I decided to try the Thai part of the menu and settled on an old favorite, Pad Thai Chicken.

The Pad Thai noodles were delicious. They were cooked al dente, just as I like them and the Pad Thai sauce was very intense, as anticipated. The sauce was more of a sweet and sour style which was a bit different from any Pad Thai I'd had in the past, but in a good way. The food arrived quickly and was piping hot. Served with a little raw cabbage and crushed nuts, a half lime accompanied the dish and added a nice zesty finish to the flavors.

I arrived with anticipation, I ate with delight, and I left happy and satisfied. Mmmm Mmm!

Tokyo Alley

I don't know how I've lived in the Shire for over a year and a half without being aware of one of Macon's hidden gems, Tokyo Alley. Thankfully I remedied that a couple of weeks ago one lunchtime. Located at 574 Mulberry Street Ln. in downtown Macon, Tokyo Alley is not visible from the main streets, but I assure you it is well worth hunting out.

Once you step through the front door into the intimate dining area (soon to be expanded with an upstairs dining room), it is easy to believe that you have stepped into a restaurant off an alley in downtown Tokyo. The dining room is adorned with Asian decor and the service is attentive.

The menu, available for dine in or take out, is concise but well varied and features Japanese and Thai food. I tried one of the lunchtime specials, Teriyaki Beef and a cheese roll appetizer. The cheese roll (similar to a spring roll) was a hot, fresh, and delicious prelude to an outstanding entrée. The tender Teriyaki Beef, served with rice and beautifully dressed noodles, had an astoundingly flavorful sauce. The quality of the food and service, combined with very reasonable prices, made for a delightful lunch.

I confess to being a little disappointed when I stepped out of the restaurant and found myself in downtown Macon instead of Tokyo, but now I know where to come for a taste of Asia.