"The Artisan is a new fast-casual restaurant that just joined Stephan Pyles Flora Street Café and Asian-fusion restaurant Musume in the Hall Arts building Downtown. The new Arts District eatery at 2330 Flora Street, Suite 200, offers counter-service eats dreamed up by Executive Chef Jones Reeder within “upscale” and “modern” interiors. Plus, an upper-level terrace with a bar offers views of the sculpture garden below. Cuisine is billed as “global” with “regional flavors” including a sofrito marinated salmon, shrimp scampi with linguine, pecan smoked beef brisket, carne asada street tacos, and pad thai chicken sauté, to name a few entrees. Display cases feature sides prepared daily like prosciutto, pear, and gorgonzola flatbread, paninis, and sides like mac ‘n’ cheese and potato au gratin. Grab and go packaged offerings include sandwiches, salads, and pastries. The Artisan Terrace Bar will serve up cocktails on Friday and Saturday evenings including a signature martini made with fresh strawberries and balsamic, a mule infused with jalapeño and cilantro, and a vanilla spiked old fashioned, as well as wines and local craft beer. The Arts District can be a tough market for restaurants given that it’s largely deserted unless shows are drawing crowds there, which reportedly lead to Proof + Pantry’s demise earlier this year. However, its fast casual concept might be just enough to set The Artisan apart from other eateries in the area. The Artisan is now open for business and will celebrate its grand opening on September 22, 2018, from 6 to 10 p.m. Regular hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; The Terrace Bar operates Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m." - Alaena Hostetter
