Coming soon to SouthPark: Robata!

BAKU is slated to open at the end of August at Sharon Station near SouthPark, a robata bar and sushi restaurant with a second-floor bar called BAKU Lounge. Robatayaki is a form of Japanese cuisine using open-flame charcoal grilling and, typically, food on skewers; robata means, essentially, "around the fire." Here, says executive chef Michael Shortino, food will be prepared in an open kitchen, on robata and yakitori grills. (Shortino opened the similar ROKA in Scottsdale, Ariz., a spinoff of a London robatayaki restaurant.)

Anoosh Shariat, formerly with Charlotte's Mez at the EpiCentre, serves as consulting culinary partner. A press release noted that "while the cuisine will be authentic, it will not be traditional, thus allowing for the chefs to add their culinary interpretations and spotlight local Carolina growers and producers." Shared plates, black rice sushi and premium sakes are among other features.

Tables are bamboo and the interior is done in earth tones, while the top floor features wood reclaimed from a 150-year-old bourbon distillery. Serving ware is pottery, some from area artisans and some imported from Japan. The place will seat about 250, with 40 on a patio.

Dinner nightly is scheduled, with weekend brunches on the horizon. 4515 Sharon Road; 704-817-7173 (not yet workable).