Shabu-shabu is another term for a Chinese hot pot. It’s like fondue, but instead of a pot of cheese, it’s a pot of boiling water; and instead of dipping bread, you put in meat and vegetables. That’s the obvious specialty at the newly opened Soga Shabu Shabu, which took over the space previously occupied by Nadia’s on State Street.

By my count, you can order sushi in at least six restaurants downtown–Osaka House, Red Sushi Grill, Restaurant Muramoto, Soga, Takara, Wasabi and T Sushi, which opened in March. With so much competition, these restaurants really need to stand out from each other.

Fans of fresh, homemade Mexican food will enjoy Diego’s Mexican Bistro when it opens Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 118 State St., in the space currently occupied by Moe’s Tavern.

“Ever since Frida’s closed, we’ve received a lot of feedback from customers who want quality Mexican food downtown,” Mohammed Barketallah, owner of Frida Mexican Grill, Moe’s and The Icon, said. “So we’re bringing the most popular dishes from Frida’s while enhancing the entire menu.”

Arturo Ubach, who previously worked at Las Cazuelas, will serve as head chef. Some familiar menu items include the chimichangas, coconut shrimp and the enchiladas rancheras. New dishes include huaraches and gluten-free mole poblano.

Patrons who remember Frida Mexican Grill will recognize the murals on the wall at Diego's, as  they were imported from the old location. The award-wining margaritas and the popular happy hour specials also are returning.