I just returned home from lunch on this sweet fragrant Friday afternoon. My husband has off from work each Friday which gives us a great opportunity to sample downtown Asheville's vibrant restaurant scene. We decided to give our most loved 12 Bones BBQ a rest this week and headed to Thai Orchid in downtown Asheville. Orchid recently relocated from its former home in an old strip mall on Tunnel rd. the main drag, with a plethora of fast food joints, sit down chain eateries and big box stores. I try to stay away from that part of town so the Thai eateries move to downtown was welcome. Orchid was a casual and tasty treat! Simple decor', friendly efficient staff and easy to read menu. If you are new to Thai food it is simple, hearty and at times spicy. I recommend the Pineapple Fried Rice or the Drunken Noodles for beginners. "Old skool" Thai fans will find all of there favorites authentically prepared. Lunch is a great deal which includes soup with your entree'. I am not a food critic so I will not dissect the flavors or tones of each dish. It a cool place to go for a quick lunch, clean bathrooms, good prices, a bar and close to everything else downtown. Try it and let me know what you think. If you are a die hard fan of Doc Chey's break out of the comfort zone for a minute, you'll be glad you did! Oh yeah and the fresh spring rolls are yummy too! Cheers! Ecomama