Shari   

It's not SHAR-ee, it's Sha-REE. And are those Isaac Mizrahi shoes you're wearing, darling? Don't be surprised if you get an up-and-down glance from either the patrons or the proprietors at this latest hipper-than-thou joint to open up in Thornton Park Central. Shari Sushi Lounge will certainly draw some of the Thornton Park scenesters away from its chic neighbor Hue -- sushi just seems to have that magnetic quality. And at Shari, they pair the irresistible raw stuff with an equally enticing image, complete with Apollo-white, low-rise chairs, minimalist black tablecloths, and track lighting that resembles twinkling stars in the sky (especially after a sake or two). Just like the youthful clientele, the food here is pretty as a picture -- most plates are garnished with fresh orchids and artfully carved veggies. The best part? The sushi tastes as good as it looks, and it's not priced nearly as outrageously as you'd imagine. The spicy tuna roll ($5) is practically filled to bursting with raw fish. And, for light-eaters, the tasty JB Tempura ($7) is a meal in itself, with six large pieces of deep-fried salmon, asparagus and cream cheese in the typical rice roll. If you're sushi-phobic, Asian-inspired steaks, chicken and fish dishes ranging from $15 to $25 offer plenty of alternatives. -- Terry Ward