Serving imaginative sushi and skewers to a casual crowd, this bi-leveled bistro fits nicely in the pocket where Washington Boulevard ends and Venice Beach begins.

A mixture of unfussy families, thirtysomethings and curious neighbors filled out the very small bar area and larger sushi counter on our recent Friday-night visit; the upstairs dining room and outdoor fire pit were dotted with the same types, but with a hungrier look in their eyes. In that upstairs room, we sat beneath several Buddha heads protruding nosily as if trying to approve our menu selections. The M-80 and Venice Beach rolls each packed a welcome kick; the chicken and kobe skewers were adequate compliment to the sushi if a bit heavy on the too-sweet sauce. Our favorite on-a-stick option was the quail eggs wrapped in bacon. The long, fun martini list includes highlights like the Venice Oil Slick (vodka, rum, midori, pineapple and lime juice with a "slick" of Blavod black vodka) and the popular raspberry lemon drop. On the list to try next time: The Starburst and oatmeal-cookie martinis. But we'll check with Buddha before placing the order.