I've just posted our review of a new restaurant in the Hoover/Riverchase area, Shonos Japanese Grill. This small restaurant in a strip mall is just the thing for lunch or an affordable dinner. It offers Japanese grill dishes similar to those you get at the teppanyaki places, but without the show -- or the high prices. Check it out while you're doing your Christmas shopping at the Galleria -- it's just a little ways south on Hwy. 31.

Read our review here.