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Pan Asian is how Xia Lieu describes Xia Asian Fusion Cuisine (1209 Battleground Ave., Suite 100, Greensboro; 272-8500).

"It's Vietnamese dishes mixed with Thai and Chinese," says Lu.

Lu is a culinary veteran, having grown up in the business in Pennsylvania with his father, an alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America. Lu himself also attended the school several years ago before opening Xia in Winston-Salem. Xia Asian Fusion is Lu's first foray into the Greensboro market.

With it he brings traditional favorites like Moo Goo Gai Pan ($12), Pepper Steak ($13) and General Tao Chicken ($12), but also throws in some interesting items like Kung Pao Scallops or Shrimp ($14.50), Asparagus Sate Fillet Mignon ($14) and Shrimp with Lobster Sauce ($13).

"We make our sauce healthy," Lu says.

Xia offers comfort favorites like Vegetable Chow Fun ($7) with rice noodles in a spicy sauce, Singapore Street Noodles ($9), Double Pan-Fried Noodles ($11, $13 as part of a combo), Cantonese Pot Stickers ($6) and Asparagus and Crab Meat Soup ($5.50).

"Our curry-based sauce in the street noodles is not hot, but spicy," Lu says. "Our Crab Wontons ($7) are a big seller in Winston-Salem."

Xia's extensive sushi list of eight-piece rolls includes some decidedly international-infused selections like the Alaskan Roll ($6.90) with smoked salmon and avocado, the Bahama ($6.90) with spicy conch, the Mexican Roll ($6.50) with shrimp tempura and the Crouching Tiger Hidden Snapper ($7.90) with fried tai snapper topped with eel sauce. Or create your own roll with a choice of two meats and three veggies for $7.90.

The Imperial Roll list reads like the sandwiches of a funky sandwich shop and include unique items such as the eight-piece Godzilla Roll ($9.90) with shrimp tempura, the 10-piece Tiger Woods Y'all ($12.90) with spicy crab and shrimp tempura, and the eight-piece Greensboro Roll ($10.90) with crab and topped with baked scallops in cream sauce.

"Our sushi chef is very creative," Lu says. "He stands out, he takes his time."

Sushi specials range from eight pieces and a spicy tuna roll for $24.90 to a combination of four types of fish, seven pieces of sushi and spicy tuna roll for $30.90. The 12-piece lunch special ($12.90) includes a choice of two sushi rolls, a California Roll and house or seaweed salad.

Xia is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. daily.

New owners revive Gate City Deli and Grill

After Gate City Deli and Grill (106 N. Westgate Drive, Greensboro; 294-9500, 294-9508 fax) closed in October, the restaurant lay dormant for more than a month before Chris and Bonnie Kays stepped in to revive the soup and sandwich shop. They reopened the restaurant last week.

The Kays are familiar to many downtown office workers because they own Cincy's Downtown (115 E. February One Place, Greensboro). But they were looking for another restaurant.

"I love being in the kitchen and I wanted another kitchen to expand our catering," says Bonnie Kays. "It was difficult to use the kitchen at Cincy's during the day because they are so busy for lunch."

So running Gate City Deli is essentially a bonus.

But fans of Cincy's infamous Cincinnati-style won't necessarily have to go downtown for a fix. Bonnie Kays says they will offer a variation on it at Gate City.

"It's a different recipe, but it's really close," Kays says.

The chili, served over spaghetti, is offered two-way ($5.75) with just the pasta; add cheese for a three-way ($6.25); add beans or onions for a four-way ($6.50); or get the works for $6.75.

Sandwiches include the Triple Decker Club ($6.95), Grilled Chicken Sandwich ($6.25) and Turkey Club Wrap ($6.50) and melts such as the Patty Melt on rye ($5.95), Reuben ($6.50) and Pretzel Melt ($6.50) with ham and cheese on a pretzel bun.

Gate City offers salads, soup and Coney Island-style dogs. Check the board for daily specials.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Dine out to benefit four-legged friends

Grab a bite at McAlister's Deli (1603 Highwoods Blvd., Greensboro; 252-1000) at Jefferson Village and help save stray dogs and cats.

From 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, five percent of the proceeds will be donated to Animal Rescue and Foster Program. For more information on the organization, call 574-9600.

Dinner at Marisol highlights pinot noir

Lovers of pinot noir will rejoice in a Bergstrom Vineyard wine dinner at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at Marisol Restaurant (5834 High Point Road, Greensboro).

The dinner showcases the newly released 2007 vintage collection from this Oregon producer. Cost is $85, excluding tax and gratuity. Call 852-3303 for reservations.

Cafe Pasta (305 State St., Greensboro; 292-1308; www.cafepasta.com) is holding a Triad After Work Social 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today.

Mingle with other professionals while enjoying complimentary food and drinks. The first 100 guests receive tickets for two free drinks and additional guests get one free drink ticket.

Don't forget the Tuesday night 336 Special that includes $3 wine by the glass, $3 house drinks and $6 entrees.

Truffle secrets revealed

Spring Garden Bakery and Coffeehouse (1932 Spring Garden St., Greensboro) is again taking the mystery out of making chocolate truffles with how-to classes at 2:45 and 4 p.m. Saturday.

Cost is $15 for a one-hour sessions. Call 272-8199.

Spanish wines seminar

Vin Vin (3716 Alliance Drive, Greensboro; www.vinvin.us) specializes in old world Spanish wines. They'll share their knowledge during a Spanish Wines Seminar 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $40 and includes two bottles of wine. Call 346-1759 for reservations.

Chili for Charity

Warm up with a hearty bowl of vegetarian or meat chili with a side of fresh baked corn bread during Chili for Charity beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday at Earth Fare Market and Café (2965 Battleground Ave, Greensboro; 369-0190).

Cost is $3 a cup or $5 a bowl and will be served until it's gone. Proceeds benefit Seven Homes Foster Care and Adoption Agency.

Have restaurant news for Short Orders? Contact Carl Wilson at 373-7145 or carl.wilson@news-record.com