Ko-Sho's previous downtown location was cryptic and easily passable, but it has remedied that awareness problem by relocating to the lively and highly visible business district of Northside. It's new look has had locals eagerly awaiting the restaurant's opening for months.   

A few weeks ago my roommate was asked to entertain two West Coast business associates. He frantically texted me asking if I knew about any sushi joints near his workplace in Fairfield. My response was one word: Akira.  

Aqua has undergone some evolutionary changes recently. It's still pretty much a creature of the sea, ahe sushi bar still gleams in the front window. But a change in staff (the former Sous Chef Josh Munchel is now the executive chef and Doug Kornrumph came on as general manager in January) seems to have spawned a change in attitude. The waters feel a little warmer and more welcoming at this new incarnation of the restaurant.   

With its window display of brightly colored plastic entrées, a la Japan, iZen puts the play back into food. That's not to say they don't offer up serious cuisine. They do; they just deliver it playfully. Like the Cheese Burger Omurice ($8.95), an all-American burger paired with a Japanese fried-rice omelet, or Cheese Fried Rice.  

Think New York City circa 1990. The clubs are hopping, music throbbing and the velvet ropes define the line between cool and uncool, who gets in and who stays out. Each person in our foursome went through this time warp when we had dinner at Mixx Ultra Lounge.