Modern twists on classic Asian dishes, along with a “sake library,” a basement nightclub and two levels devoted to lounging and dining add up to the new Jade Theater on Seventh and C streets, Downtown. The 14,000-square-foot, tri-level space also features themed VIP rooms, dramatic lighting and floating votives to reflect “the current and after worlds,” as conceptualized by Japanese-born Takumi Zing in collaboration with OCIO Design Group. But don’t expect to find an actual stage here. The owners defer to the word “theater” to describe Jade “as a place where drama unfolds.” For more information, call (619) 814-5125.

And speaking of Asian cuisine, CHOW noodle house in Hillcrest unveils a new menu beginning next month. Look for items such as house-made noodles tossed in garlic-chive butter, barbecue pork served with a poached egg over ramen noodle broth and stewed chicken with squash, herbs and bacon.

The restaurant is located at 540 University Ave., (619) 269.9209.

And… the wildly popular Harney Sushi in Old Town opens a second location at 301 Mission Ave., in Oceanside this April. The restaurant has selected Bluemotif Architecture to design the 3,500-square-foot space, using “green” elements and feng shui principles.

Rancho San Diego and North Park say hello to Arrivederci, which recently branched from its Hillcrest mainstay with a new kitchen in pasta-starved Rancho, plus a third location opening early next year in North Park. The latter, says owner Antonino Mascellone, will feature a deli, wine bar and restaurant located on the ground level of the La Boheme condominium complex on 30th Street.

Tracy Borkum, owner of Chive, Laurel and Kensington Grill has landed a café gig under the name Urban Kitchen at the Children’s Museum downtown, slated to open in May. In sticking to the museum’s green theme, the kids will enter into a no-corn-dog zone and cop a taste of healthy, organic fare. For more information visit www.childrensmuseumsd.org.

A plethora of good eats enters the spotlight during San Diego Restaurant Week, scheduled for Jan. 27 to Feb. 1, and June 22 to 27. The event gives foodies an opportunity to partake in three-course, prix fixe menus from more than 130 participating restaurants throughout San Diego County for $30 or $40 per person (tax, beverage and gratuity are not included). Now in its fourth year, Restaurant Week is presented by the California Restaurant Association (CRA) San Diego chapter in partnership with the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau and San Diego Magazine. For more information, visit www.SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com

The Marine Room in La Jolla has eliminated its $25 corkage fee for those wishing to bring in two bottles or less of wine from their personal stashes. In addition, the beachside restaurant has implemented a new “designated driver incentive” that provides DDs with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Are any other restaurants out there paying attention to this?

A plethora of good eats enters the spotlight during San Diego Restaurant Week, scheduled for Jan. 27 to Feb. 1, and June 22 to 27. The event gives foodies an opportunity to partake in three-course, prix fixe menus from more than 130 participating restaurants throughout San Diego County for $30 or $40 per person (tax, beverage and gratuity are not included). Now in its fourth year, Restaurant Week is presented by the California Restaurant Association (CRA) San Diego chapter in partnership with the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau and San Diego Magazine. For more information, visit the web site: www.SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com