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.