JJ Bistro announces departure from Kaimuki

JJ Bistro & French Pastry is closing Jan. 28 after almost 19 years in its cozy Kaimuki neighborhood. But not to worry, chef-owner Praseuth “JJ” Luangkhot is looking for a new spot and someone to help him keep his dream alive.

“This is my hobby, my love. … I just cannot walk away,” Luangkhot said.

He said he is looking for someone to run the business while he continues baking and cooking.

Starting in 1999 as a tiny pastry shop at 3447 Waialae Ave., JJ’s quickly became known for a showcase display of edible art and its to-die-for trademark, the Chocolate Pyramid mousse cake.

Luangkhot expanded in 2007 to give savory dishes a try — making things he liked to eat himself, based on his Laotian origins and French culinary skills. The bistro has been a yearly winner of local culinary awards.

Luangkhot said he decided not to renew his lease in the old Y.F. Zane commercial building, citing parking limitations and the need for repairs in the space.

“It makes me feel I keep losing my energy for nothing, instead of having time to enjoy and create.”

He’s still evaluating several new spots, no farther than Chinatown, and wants to make sure the place he chooses has ample public parking. Since he has to move out in less than a month, Luangkhot said he will try to complete the move in as short a time as possible, but everything depends on the terms of his new lease. He expects that his new location will be smaller than his current 100-seat restaurant, probably able to fit only 30 to 40.

Longtime patrons have been imploring Luangkhot not to close.

“Everybody crying, ‘We don’t want to lose you,’” he said.

His aim, Luangkhot said, has been to provide the experience of fine dining at affordable prices. His prix-fixe four-course meal, for example, is $25, less than the price of a single entree at many high-end restaurants.

“We want you to have memories, have a good time,” he said. For dessert, diners can pick from among more than 50 sweets.

He has considered scaling down to just offer pastries, but many of his savory dishes remain in demand, from the popular Fisherman’s Pot Pie and Lobster Pad Thai, pastas and homemade pizzas.

Luangkhot anticipates the day when he cannot do everything himself, and he admits he’s never been good in business.

“I’m not tough. It’s very hard to say no, cannot. For me, I always try to please my customers.”

JJ Bistro & French Pastry is at 3447 Waialae Ave. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, through Jan. 28. Call 739-0993.