SF long-timers will be sad to learn that POMELO on Judah has closed after almost 25 years of business—their last day was April 30th, 2022. Their closure announcement stated: “In addition to the loss of our lease and a financially devastating 2 years of pandemic, it has become an insurmountable challenge to keep up with ever increasing costs and supply chain issues, secure qualified staffing, and work through the city red tape.” They also said, “It was our great joy and privilege to take your palate around the world! We will miss all of you and want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the loyalty, friendships, and sense of family that we so generously received from you. ~your pomelo team / rolf + nelson, roger, rafael” Best wishes to the team, that was a good run. 92 Judah St. at 5th Ave.
If you follow me on Instagram, I shared the sad news that iconic Chinatown business WASHINGTON BAKERY & RESTAURANT was closing after 27 years in business. In a follow-up post, they mention: “Thank you for all the support and heartfelt messages. We realize this establishment was more than just a restaurant. It possesses many nostalgic memories and is a huge part of the community. We are beyond grateful for all our customers and organizations that supported us throughout these years, especially through the difficulties of the pandemic. We came out surviving the pandemic due to all the resources and meal partnerships provided to us. Our lease was coming to an end and we sold the restaurant to a buyer who really admired and wanted our space. Hon’s Wunton willl be taking over our space and we believe that they will utilize our space to its full potential as well as offer delicious food. We encourage everyone to support their business as well as continuing to support your local Chinatown businesses. Until we all meet again.”
A big departure at ~ZUNI CAFÉ~: pastry chef Annie Callan has left after 13 years. Zuni posted a thoughtful farewell to this talented force! “Annie started at Zuni Cafe in 2009 as an assistant in our pastry department. Working closely under Chef Judy Rodgers direction, her gifts as a talented baker were apparent and she quickly assumed the role of Pastry Chef. Chef Annie guided the creative direction of our dessert menu in her years as Pastry Chef, creating a beautiful balance of seasonal fruits based pastries, desserts, ice creams, and sorbets.
“Annie is also a skilled organizer and fundraiser. Since 2019 she has organized fundraising events in support of civil rights, reproductive rights, women’s health, and anti-racist focused organizations. Her organizing work led to $130,000 in fundraising through bake sales featuring some of the best pastry chefs and bakers in California.
“We have been immensely fortunate to work alongside her for so long and appreciate her immense contributions to the excellence we strive towards. We wish her the very best as she continues in her career and for everyday to be a great hair day.” Thank you, Annie! She mentions, “Have no fears about the dessert program though! It’s being left in the very capable hands of Jeremy Balagey and his new assistant Steven. I am super excited for the next phase of my career and coming back to Zuni as a customer.”
The iconic pomelo has been taken down at Pomelo. Yelp photo by Andrew D..
