Pillar just opened Dec. 8, 2024 in the Bishop Arts District by chef/owner Peja Krstic.  It was in the 98-year-old space previously occupied by Boulevardier.  The menu had cross over from the restaurant’s previous occupant as well as with his other current restaurant Mot Hai Ba.  Krstic named this after seeing a photo of Ernest Hemingway’s boat Pilar in Key West, but since this was not all seafood it became Pillar, an American bistro.  It’s a deep space with some table seating and the bar with seats at the front and a combination of booths and tables in the back portion nearer to the open door to the kitchen.  The space had a concrete floor, a brick wall opposite a wallpapered one, a painted wood ceiling and music in the background.  Shelves by the front door were filled with articles and books whereas the shelves in back were filled with glassware and wines, which are mostly of the natural variety.  We had a fairly early reservation and you could still talk but the evening moved slowly and the noise level got pretty loud later in the evening.  One huge benefit of the place was a parking lot right next to it, which is a real plus for places in this area.  The service was super friendly but slow and the food was varied but all on the better side of the curve.  Some items were outstanding however I hope as they get established, they will introduce specials that vary the menu slightly and work on the kitchen’s efficiency.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.  Continue reading →