Farewell Orphan Andy's: The Castro's Beloved Diner Hits the Market

Photo by Thomas Hawk | License
A wave of culinary transformation is washing over the Bay Area, and it’s bittersweet. Orphan Andy’s, the iconic 24-hour diner that’s been a Castro staple since the '70s, is officially up for grabs. Owners Bill Pung and Dennis Zieball have decided it’s time to hand over the spatula and retire, listing the beloved joint for a cool $250,000. Talk about a midlife crisis!
In sillier news, a shiny new French bistro called Caché has set up shop in the Inner Sunset, thanks to a couple of French culinary wizards. Florent Thomas and chef Simon Mounier promise an experience that includes dishes like an octopus hot dog. Yes, you read that right: an octopus hot dog. Move over traditionalists; we’re ready for a food revolution, one bizarre dish at a time!
Meanwhile, in Lower Haight, fans are eagerly waiting for chef Max Blachman-Gentile’s brick-and-mortar pizzeria, Jules, to open its doors, which is still teetering on the brink of reality. The neon sign is up, and locals are praying for good vibes and no last-minute delays. Fingers crossed this isn’t another tale of lost hopes and dreams in the quest for pizza perfection.
But it’s not just new spots opening up; it’s all about the community vibe, too. Arsicault Bakery is bringing their heavenly pastries to the Mission Rock location, launching weekday hours. Nothing says community like morning pastries and overpriced lattes – just the way we like it!
Over in the review corner, San Francisco Chronicle critic MacKenzie Chung-Fegan has announced a fresh list of the Top 100 Restaurants is in the works. There’s no denying that our fair city is a bubbling cauldron of culinary delights, but compiling a list of the best? Good luck with that! Expect some intense debates among the foodies and professional Instagrammers about what truly deserves a spot on the list.
And while we’re talking about high praise, Bon Delire has emerged as a recommendable French bistro. Chronicle critic Cesar Hernandez gave it a rave review that rings truer than your mom’s last birthday wish. The vibe? Chic atmosphere that’s supposed to make you feel all kind of ‘Eiffel Tower’ magic. If that’s not enough to lure you in, who knows what will!
In this era of food fads and culinary chaos, it’s clear we’re living in an ever-changing gastronomic landscape. Orphan Andy’s may be leaving, but the culinary world keeps pushing boundaries - for better or for worse. Choose wisely, folks!
AUTHOR: tgc
SOURCE: SFist