This place is completely metro chic just like the other Johnny Chu joint, Fate, right around the corner. It's a bit cramped inside, but very lively at nighttime, even without the semi-annoying DJ pumping the tunes throughout the two rooms. The food is all-around solid, taking a hint from tapas culture and throwing in bold flavors for measure. I tried the deep-fried tofu with wasabi soy sauce and it was just like it should be -- crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. The soy wasabi sauce was sweaty hot and salty -- a delicious combo. The mango papaya spring rolls combine cool, crunchy veggies with fresh fruit and a peppery soy sauce. The combination of the crunch and the chewy, soft wrap melds the elements together well. Finally, the lime mint beef carpaccio on "prawn crackers" (fancy term for rice cakes) provides just the right amount of citrusy punch.
The atmosphere is almost a bit too much Scottsdale for Roosevelt Row, but it's hard to deny the coolness factor here. I prefer it over Fate. Especially after a sake bomber.