Blaise Tacos

Blaise Tacos is a tiny, homey shop in the Akihabara Okachimachi area. Small though it is, you can't miss the big sign outside with an illustration of an elegant lady in a blue gown atop a rocket ship underneath the name BLAISE in all caps. We scanned the menu posted outside and found the prices prettty cheap. You could get a taco or a burrito for one coin or ¥500.

The restaurant is so small that upon entering, you come right up to the counter behind which is also the kitchen. To your left side is a shelf crammed with anime-related brochures and paraphernalia -- this is the Akihabara area after all. There is seating for a maximum of 8 people on stools against the table attached to the right hand wall. It looks like a place where customers come for a quick bite, else order something for takeout (Blaise is a participating restaurant for Uber Eats).

When we visited, there was only one staff behind the counter. We ordered taco rice (¥600) and a flour tortilla bean burrito (¥500). Our orders came fairly quickly. Both the rice bowl and the burrito had a slight spicy kick to it and the meat was tasty. If the taco rice was not enough to remind you of Okinawa, the empty can of SPAM that holds the tissue and the stack of A&W root beer on the counter will. This is probably one of the few places in Tokyo where you can get this beverage with the distinctive flavor of anise and licorice.

The food at Blaise's is far from industrial; it has a homecooked feel to it, reminding me of family dinner rituals like 'Mexican Fridays". The other menu items are worth exploring and at one coin prices, won't break the bank.