When Grand Cafe & Bakery closed last July, I was devastated.

It was my go-to place for lunch whenever I was in downtown, mostly because it was located right outside the municipal parking lot I always use.

(Grand Cafe has since moved to HiSAM. Thank God.)

In its place, however, was a new bistro concept by Terry Kakazu, whose boutique wine shop, HASR Wine Co., is right next door.

And it’s aptly named HASR Bistro.

It’s country-side French food meets upscale dining but at affordable prices. Or something like that.

But the draw, at least for foodies, is the restaurant’s executive chef. Hawaii-born Rodney Uyehara, whose opened such notable eateries such as The Bistro at Century Center and The Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider Hotel, is at the helm at HASR.

I was just happy something opened in that space. I mean, it’s right outside the parking garage!

So I went with a friend on a recent weekday to check out the menu I had heard raves about.

Here’s what lunch looked like:

Drinks are served!

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I know it's a bit trendy, but I still love drinks served in mason jars.