Adriana's Italian Cafe, located at 359 3rd Street, is undoubtedly my favorite weekday lunchtime eatery. It's a favorite of many others too. Yesterday I wondered if we'd even find a seat at 1:15pm, but we did!
Yesterday's eye-catcher for me was the Manicotti; broad pasta tubes filled with Ricotta cheese and dressed in an authentic Italian tomato sauce. As is my habit, I accompanied this with a Greek Salad. I declare that the Greek Salad at Adriana's is the best I've ever had outside of Greece. I'll bet it knocks the socks off many Greek Salads inside of Greece too! The Manicotti were very tasty and the naturally complimentary flavors of cheese and tomato were enhanced by popular Italian herbs.
Repeat visits are testimony to the quality of a restaurant. You'll see that there are already several postings on this blog about Adriana's. It's not complicated: Go, eat, enjoy, ...repeat! That's what I always do! Don't forget to look at the dessert bar by the entrance. There are some exceedingly good-looking desserts in there and they taste the part too. This is quality, authentic Italian food served in a casual cafe atmosphere. Don't settle for less when you're thinking Italian.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Adriana's
Adriana's Cafe in downtown Macon (359 3rd St), served up a delightful Italian-style Beef Stroganoff recently. I was ready for a hearty meal one lunchtime and this Farfalle pasta-based dish with ground beef and mushrooms certainly fit the bill. The Stroganoff is best accompanied with a light salad, such as the House or Greek salad, to balance its textures and flavors. As always, the food was delicious and my appetite was satisfied well into the evening - an important consideration for a Hobbit.
I've mentioned it before and I'll say it again. For me a great dining experience, especially at lunchtime on a work day, is one in which the food is memorable and the atmosphere helps to take my mind away from the busyness of the day's activities. Adriana's provides the hustle and bustle, as well as the solace, of a table at a city-center bistro where one can watch the world go by while relaxing with a friend or simply with one's own inner thoughts. I'll be back soon!
Viva Adriana's!
I've mentioned it before and I'll say it again. For me a great dining experience, especially at lunchtime on a work day, is one in which the food is memorable and the atmosphere helps to take my mind away from the busyness of the day's activities. Adriana's provides the hustle and bustle, as well as the solace, of a table at a city-center bistro where one can watch the world go by while relaxing with a friend or simply with one's own inner thoughts. I'll be back soon!
Viva Adriana's!
Monday, September 8, 2008
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!
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!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Ingleside Village Pizza
Mercer University faculty, staff, and students rejoiced when Ingleside Village Pizza (IVP) graced their neck of the woods with its second location (1635 Montpelier Avenue, Macon). Just a stone's throw away from the heart of Mercer's Macon campus, IVP's concise menu hits the spot when it's time to fuel up at lunch. Specializing in pizza (obviously), IVP also offers salads and subs at reasonable prices. They must have consulted a hobbit before designing the menu because a grand selection of domestic and international bottled beers is available to help wash the pizza down to its destination.
IVP's uncomplicated pizza menu is a fine example of less is more. Three diverse pizza compilations are listed, but a long list of toppings allow pizza lovers to create their own edible artistry according to their whims and desires. I wasn't feeling artistic today, so I went for one of the ready-designed pizzas. The White Pizza boasts a topping of Ricotta cheese, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, and extra cheese. This concoction is a delicious medley of robust flavors that work together beautifully.
The IVP experience is relaxed and uncomplicated. Yep, we need more of that in life. When the semester is in full swing, be prepared for lines or get there early. IVP is the place to be!
IVP's uncomplicated pizza menu is a fine example of less is more. Three diverse pizza compilations are listed, but a long list of toppings allow pizza lovers to create their own edible artistry according to their whims and desires. I wasn't feeling artistic today, so I went for one of the ready-designed pizzas. The White Pizza boasts a topping of Ricotta cheese, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, and extra cheese. This concoction is a delicious medley of robust flavors that work together beautifully.
The IVP experience is relaxed and uncomplicated. Yep, we need more of that in life. When the semester is in full swing, be prepared for lines or get there early. IVP is the place to be!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Spaghetti Alley
I was glad to make a swift return to Spaghetti Alley for lunch in downtown Macon (575 Mulberry Street Lane) this week. I'm nearly always impressed with a place that has a concise menu with enough variety that I have trouble choosing which of the delectable delights to order. Such was the case, once again, and by a rigorous process of elimination I made the excellent decision to try Fettuccini Franco. The combination of fettuccini, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and Alfredo sauce made for a super combination of flavors. I added the grilled shrimp which rounded the dish off very nicely. The quantity satisfied this happy hobbit who told at least ten people about his lunch! The service was of great quality once again.
Spaghetti Alley's bread and dip, a standard prerequisite to all meals, is worth a mention. The bread is fresh and tasty and the olive oil dip with a well-chosen blend of Mediterranean herbs is very moreish.
I highly recommend making your way to Spaghetti Alley for a meal. I have every intention of working my way right through the menu. Not in one sitting, though.
Spaghetti Alley's bread and dip, a standard prerequisite to all meals, is worth a mention. The bread is fresh and tasty and the olive oil dip with a well-chosen blend of Mediterranean herbs is very moreish.
I highly recommend making your way to Spaghetti Alley for a meal. I have every intention of working my way right through the menu. Not in one sitting, though.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Adriana's
It's always a delight to return to Adriana's Cafe in downtown Macon (359 3rd St), but especially so when I get to try something new there. This Tuesday lunchtime I had the opportunity to try their Turkey, Mushroom, and Cheddar Quiche which also boasted sun dried tomatoes. Now I've eaten some quiche in my time, but this was one of the most memorable. A sight that any hobbit likes to behold, this slice of quiche was most certainly a two-storey quiche. Not only was it impressive in its elevation, but it was presented with a lavish, light, flaky crust of substantial proportion.
A quiche of this thickness always runs the risk of being undercooked in the middle, especially when the pastry crust is present. Not a problem at Adriana's - The quiche was consistently light and fluffy all the way through and the pastry was cooked to perfection. The flavors were well balanced and complimentary. I accompanied the quiche with my usual Greek Salad and the combination was a very, very satisfying lunch.
We arrived and were seated just in time because the lunchtime rush, testimony to the popularity of this fine eatery, commenced in full flow. Despite the bustle of this cafe, however, it's always a refreshing change of pace from the busyness of the work day. How fortunate we are to have Adriana's!
A quiche of this thickness always runs the risk of being undercooked in the middle, especially when the pastry crust is present. Not a problem at Adriana's - The quiche was consistently light and fluffy all the way through and the pastry was cooked to perfection. The flavors were well balanced and complimentary. I accompanied the quiche with my usual Greek Salad and the combination was a very, very satisfying lunch.
We arrived and were seated just in time because the lunchtime rush, testimony to the popularity of this fine eatery, commenced in full flow. Despite the bustle of this cafe, however, it's always a refreshing change of pace from the busyness of the work day. How fortunate we are to have Adriana's!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
