In cities like New York and Los Angeles, sushi bars are facing stiff competition from less formal izakaya, sake bars that serve food. Like tapas bars, izakaya feature a large selection of small plates intended for sharing. And while many do offer sushi, the stars of the menu are most often steamed, fried or grilled. SASA Matsu (13120 Shaker Sq., 216.767.1111), which opened last week at Shaker Square, is Cleveland's first look at the concept. Opened by Scott Kim, SASA replaces the 7-year-old Matsu that Kim ran on Chagrin Boulevard. Unlike the dark and pubby atmosphere of izakaya found elsewhere, SASA is crisp, contemporary and not exceedingly comfortable. In addition to an impressive selection of sakes, served both chilled and warm, the menu features a diverse clutch of soups, salads, sashimi, specialty sushi rolls and dishes described as small, medium and large. Diners can start with a bowl of miso or udon noodle soup, move on to crispy shrimp tempura, snack on fried Japanese sweet peppers, and settle into a plate of grilled beef yakitori. And this is just scratching the surface of the multi-page menu.

The section of Clifton Boulevard between West 104th and West 112th has not been particularly kind to restaurants. Velocity American Bistro is the latest victim to succumb to a spot that has claimed, in just the past few years, a handful of ostensibly pleasant businesses. Recent casualties include Giovanna's, Mise and Jeso. Across the street, the newly opened Asian Grill (11100 Clifton Blvd., 216.961.9655) hopes to accomplish what former tenants Sean's Place and Razmataz Café did not, namely to last longer than a football season. The new owners have packed the small space with so many tables, servers are compelled to bob and weave their way through the dining room. The conventional menu carries Thai, Japanese and Chinese specialties, including a large selection of vegetarian dishes.

Congratulations to chef Jonathon Sawyer, of Bar Cento (1948 W. 25th St., 216.344.9944), and his wife, Amelia, on the arrival of their healthy baby girl. To celebrate, the Ohio City restaurant is starting Junior Iron Chef Tuesdays, a fun opportunity for kids to make their own pizzas (with help from mom and/or dad, of course). Chef Sawyer provides the dough and toppings, the rest is up to the little ones. Kids leave with a full belly and a free chef's cap. The events begin Nov. 20 and run every Tuesday from 4:30-8 p.m.