news-record.com

Ocean Shin has taken over Little Tokyo Fresh Sushi Bar and Japanese Grill House (4045 Premier Drive) behind BB&T just off N.C. 68 in north High Point.

Chef Shin is a graduate of culinary art school in Seoul, Korea, and has worked at several Japanese and fusion cuisine restaurants abroad and in the U.S., including Sankei Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar in High Point.

Little Tokyo has an extensive list of fresh rolls ranging in price from $3.50 for a simple cucumber roll to $11.95 for a Caterpillar Roll. Some of Chef Shin's specialties include rolls such as Camp Fire ($9.50), Jade ($7.95), Italian ($9.95) and even one called Sexy ($9.50).

Deep fried rolls like the Calamari Tempura Roll ($7.50) and baked or grilled rolls like the Eel Special Roll ($12.50) are offered.

Little Tokyo can even create a special birthday sushi "cake."

Japanese Udong ($7.95 for kake, $10.95 for tempura) and Yaki Soba ($7.95 for vegetable to $11.95 for the Lito) are offered.

Dinner entrees include a New York Strip ($14.95), Red Snapper ($13.95) or Vegetable ($9.45). More exotic entrees include Spicy Chicken ($12.50) and Bulgoki ($14.95). Entrees come with rice, vegetables, miso soup and salad.

Lunch at Little Tokyo offers tempura vegetables, chicken, beef and seafood and a selection of dinner entrees at reduced prices. Sushi and entree lunch boxes are also available.

Hours for Little Tokyo are 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday and noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Phone is 885-1045.

New bistro planned

The Shops at Kirkwood on Lawndale Drive is getting a new restaurant with a bona fide pedigree.

The Blue Sky Bistro is planned for 2415 Lawndale Drive, currently the location of Randy's Quilt Shop and the former home of Roosters Gourmet Market & Gifts.

John Drees is behind the venture. Many know Drees as the former co-owner of Southern Lights Bistro. Southern Lights closed earlier this summer after 20 years of service.

Drees is working out details with investors but says he hopes to begin renovation of the space, which includes a patio, in early October.

Rim Tapas closes

Rim Tapas and Wine Bar at 219-A S. Elm St. has closed.

The restaurant has been struggling for months. After the departure of chef and owner Stephen Schneider earlier this year, the restaurant tried to revitalize itself with the help of chef and operating partner Brad Semon of The Painted Plate.

"We had a lot of fun at Rim. We had a lot of great food," says Semon. "We improved volume in the past months."

But the transition came on the heals of the economic bust.

"We weren't able to ever really reach our expectations with the number of people coming downtown, especially with late night food," adds Semon.

Semon says he and operating partner Catherine Chauvin are putting the restaurant up for sale. He's convinced the spot can do well, but says he's given it what he can. His focus remains on his catering.

Another donut shop opens

Dunkin Donuts (315-0500) has opened at 811 S. Holden Road at Spring Garden Street in Greensboro.

In addition to the 20 or so flavors of donuts offered, the location will also have Blueberry, Sour Cream and French Crueller donuts. A new Apple Fritter will also be offered.

And of course, there's plenty of Dunkin Donuts' signature coffee and coffee drinks to enjoy in the comfortable dining area that includes wide-screen television and Wi-fi. The Holden Road location also offers a conference room.

The location will hold a grand opening in September.

Hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.

Taste Northern Italy

Experience Northern Italy with the wines of Veneto and foods of Venice at a tasting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Riva's Trattoria (257 N. Greene St.) in Greensboro.

The tasting includes four wines from Zenato Vineyards and four appetizers. Cost is $20. Stay for dinner and get bottles of Zenato at half price. Call 334-9989 for reservations.

Downtown restaurants gather for benefit

Chick-fil-A, Cheesecakes by Alex, Pizzeria L'Italiano, Opa Taverna, 223 South Elm, M'Coul's Public House, Zaytoon and Simple Kneads are among the downtown eateries scheduled to participate in a Courtyard Party from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday in the quaint alley between 227 and 229 S. Elm St. in downtown Greensboro.

The event is a benefit for Hospice Kid's Path, and Ben Jensen's Jazz Trio will provide the music. For information, call 272-5700.

Wine dinner

223 South Elm (223 S. Elm St.) in downtown Greensboro is holding a wine dinner for selections from Chateau Ste. Michelle in the Columbia Valley of Washington State at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Cost for the five-course dinner is $65. Call 272-3331 for reservations.

Buffet adds lighter option

Monesi Brazilian Buffet and Grill (500 Americhase Drive, Greensboro; 841-6334) has added a new dining option for light appetites. The buffet is now available by the pound.

Lunch buffet is $4.55 per pound and dinner is $5.99 per pound. All-you-can-eat is $11.95 for lunch and $14.95 for dinner.

Owner Walter Vanucci, who also owns LeBlon Brazilian Steakhouse at (4512 W. Market St.), says roasted leg of lamb and salmon have been added to the dinner buffet.

Monesi is in the Sedgemore Center just south of the N.C. 68 and I-40 interchange.

Contact Carl Wilson at 373-7145 or carl.wilson@news-record.com