♦ Frank Bruni rather appropriately surveys two "affordable" sushi spots in the Times today. Both Sushi Azabu and Kanoyama get one star apiece, but it's the latter that ultimately wins out: "The breadth of this restaurant's fish selection is thrilling." [NYT]
♦ Stephane Dorian's long-awaited 10 Downing is finally opening tonight for friends and family. It'll open up for everyone else in the next two weeks. [Insatiable Critic via GS]
♦ Is Todd English planning to open a restaurant at 325 Bowery? [Zagat]

♦ A look inside the Plaza's Oak Room, which still isn't entirely finished despite the fact it is scheduled to open in less than two weeks. [Eater]
♦ A guide to eating along the NYC Marathon race course. [NYT]
♦ The Observer offers up its 10 best beer bars. [NYO]
♦ The California coffee chain Java Detour is coming to Midtown because apparently we don't have enough coffee outlets in Manhattan. [Crain's]