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Memories and Condolences
for Enrico Banducci
61 Entries
Robin Mize
October 26, 2021
I lived next door to Enrico and Allegra when they lived at Park Merced in San Francisco. It was such a delight to hear him playing the violin and singing opera as he came in the apartment from his car. On October 17, 1989 just as we had been shaken by the massive earthquake he passed by my front porch and said " If you bring the wine, I will cook the pasta." I spent a wonderful evening talking and laughing with him and dear Allegra was just a young girl. What a wonderful man and how you influenced so many is a treasure. He will be sadly missed forever!
Ben Mcalister
November 7, 2007
Dear Enrico, you had the biggest heart in North Beach, probably in the city as well.You never let a homeless/street person leave hungry, you fed them all, even when they tried to dine and dash and "Lucky" (the sometimes manager) would chase them down and bring them back you always let them go. As a cop on the Broadway Beat that enjoyed your cooking and your company and the golf that the two of us would play at Lincoln Park I will miss you so much. Now when I'm in North Beach I feel such a strong feeling of emptiness. I hope you run into Jack Benny and play a violin duet. Goodbye Old Friend
Dale Crawford
October 21, 2007
Enrico, Robyn and Allegra lived across Green Street from us in the early 1980's. The kids played together, the wives spent time together and Enrico treated me like the most wonderful Uncle a man could never imagine possible.
I moved from San Francisco and missed the Enricos. But no matter where I moved to, I took a most unique and beautiful stained glass window made by Robyn. It is a constant reminder of an Avalon I onced lived.
Love to the living, thanks for the past.
Nick Webb
October 21, 2007
To Enrico who will always be one of the primary colours of my childhood, to Allegra who I last saw over a Coke at Sweeny Todd's all those years ago, and to Robyn, all the best wishes and condolences my heart can give.
G E Rader
October 21, 2007
I worked for Enrico at his namesake eatery in the early 70's as a waiter. Enrico was a force of nature matched only by the temper of Mrs. B. Meeting many of the celebrities he had mentored at the Hungry i was always a highlite. Enrico's warmth extended to his employees and I felt then and still do, let in on a timeless slice of SF's bohemian muscle twitch. No one has ever worn a beret with such panache. Farewell bandoosh...
Eugenia P
October 19, 2007
I met Enrico Banducci's son Gregory at Kittredge School of San Francisco before 1967. At the time, Gregory seemed more mature than the rest of the kids at the school. I hope you had a successful life since. Left me with an impression of your father owning the "hungry i". Sorry for your loss of your father. Eugenia (Genie)
Sam Franzella
October 17, 2007
Rest in peace Enrico, the place won't be the same without you.
Paul Aylor
October 17, 2007
One of a kind. He'll be missed more than a lot of folks can realize.
johanna crawford
October 16, 2007
a sad hello to Allegra who was my son Nick's first girlfriend across the street on Green st. Many happy memories of the 2of you sitting on Enricos lap at the round table eating angel hair pasta
Much love to you allega and Robyn
Johanna and Nick
805 6371774
Goldie Todd-Perkins
October 12, 2007
To his daughter Allegra,
Many years have passed and you and Jennifer have grown from little girls who played together to young women now, but the memories that your father gave to her as the two of you played and the kindness he showed to me will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with you Allegra.
Goldie Todd
Myrna Del Rio (Zialcita)
October 12, 2007
Rest In Peace, dear Enrico. Thank you for your humor, your kindness, your big heart!
Lawrence Alioto
October 11, 2007
Enrico was the Great Impresario. He brought music and laughter to the world. I think he got along so well with artists because he was an artist himself. He once told me about a student recital in Bakersfield where they kept sending him back on the stage for more violin solos because his competitors were throwing up backstage. Anybody who names himself after Enrico Caruso is no philistine. Maybe he wasn’t a good shopkeeper, and maybe they won’t be naming any streets after him in Genoa or Lucca. But our painting of him on the building at Grant and Broadway, where he stands with two other one-of-a-kind personalities, my father and Mel Belli, is not enough and is already fading. There has got to be a street in North Beach which we can rename Via Enrico Banducci. I think we honor ourselves by honoring Enrico and I am sure our local authorities would approve such a move overwhelmingly.
M.J. Ofiesh
October 11, 2007
Our condolences to Enricos family.Hope the book gets published.We, like so many others,en-joyed his many life-stories. The Ofiesh family
C. Roushey
October 10, 2007
To the city and county of San Francisco: a legend has departed your midst. To the family: Most sincere condolences on your loss. To all who ever enjoyed a night on the town and it included a stop at the Hungry i or Enrico's, and I count myself as one of those; I will miss the man in the black beret very much. As an influence on the art and entertainment business, Senor Banducci's accomplishments can not be measured. Rest in Peace. Requiem eternum.
Jay Wells
October 10, 2007
You'll be missed Enrico.
Jay Wells
Stephenie Regalia
October 10, 2007
On behalf of Wendie, Stephen and Susan, thank you. Every other memory comes in second!
Jonathan Hyman
October 10, 2007
I worked for Enrico when he moved the hungry i from the Jackson towers to Gheridelli square. I had the honor of meeting many celebrities but the man I honor most and have the greatest respect for is Enrico's son, the artist Gregory Banducci who lives in Richmond Virginia. Enricos greatest contribution to this world.
Carol Posacki Grey
October 10, 2007
Came to San Francisco in the early 70's and with luck was able to have my charcoal portrait painted while sitting on Enrico's patio. Lots of characters ran in and out of that place and some are still roaming the streets of San Francisco. Was able to meet Enrico at one of the reunions and he had many a tale to tell. Hope he gets to swap more of those tales with Mel Belli soon. Thanks for some absolutely wonderful times! Ciao bella.
Carol Posacki Grey
Rosalie Marschall
October 10, 2007
My former French husband would sing folk songs in the outdoor area of Enrico's. We did some pantomime there. Enrico's was THE place to be if you were an artist who wanted to feel at home.
My condolences to the family.
Robert (Bob) Pencovic
October 10, 2007
Enrico and the Hungry I represented one of the best times of my life. It was virtually my second home for more than 5 years. I had the good fortune to become friends of the Kingston Trio during that time, I remember memorably the Press Opening for Mike Nichols and Elaine May, any time Mort Sahl or Shelly Berman was booked I would be there. Enrico, I never took the opportunity to tell you Thank You, and now it is too late, but to your family and the world, Enrico made our little part of the world a great place to live. Not a whole lot of people can claim that as their legacy. Thank You
Barbara North Gormley
October 10, 2007
Enrico Banducci -- Irreplaceable!
San Francisco has outlived you,
but your memory lingers still.
Roeland Wydogen
October 10, 2007
Between Bill Cosby and the Kingston Trio that's as good as it gets. Thanks Enrico for everything. You are SF.
Miny Penalbert
October 10, 2007
You're all right Enrico!
Miny
David Peck
October 10, 2007
My wife and I had our wedding dinner in Enrico's. It was after it was sold, but the feeling remained. Ventresca, Catalan Champaign, the food and wine was great, but the vibe, the love was why we choose Enrico's. My love goes out to his family and friends.
David Peck
April Ledbetter
October 10, 2007
Returning to North Beach after an ill-fated attempt to live someplace besides SF, Enrico appears and gives us some work, some leftovers, and a whole lot of friendship and compassion. Viva Enrico!
Cheryl Boyd
October 10, 2007
To the Banducci Family,
I remember as a little girl going with my father Marvin Boyd to the club and enjoying many good times with Enrico and the family. He will be missed greatly.My condolences to the family.Enrico's was a place where I grew up, and I will never forget the great times I had while meeting Bill Cosby playing Dominoes with my dad and Enrico. P.S. Bill always won!!
James Gamble
October 10, 2007
Enrico
you have the eye of an eagle
the soul of a violin
see ya soon
JUDY FARRAR
October 10, 2007
OH HOW I LOVED THE HUNGRY I. ENRICO BANDUCCI WAS A REAL SAN FRANCISCAN. I FEEL SORRY FOR ANYONE THAT IS TOO YOUNG TO REMEMBER THE HAY DAYS OF NORTH BEACH. CIAO ENRICO, AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.
Sarah Dalton
October 10, 2007
When my dad took us to Enrico's, I always felt special when Enrico chatted with us. Eating that unbelievable porcini mushrooom fettucini at the (had to be) sidewalk table, while listening to stories of bars and Beats, defined my native-ness as much as the fog, the Hippo, and the Grant school.
Thank you Enrico for your tragically hip and understated part in my family's great adventure.
Alan Myerson
October 10, 2007
When we opened The Committee in 1963 a block up Broadway from Enricos, he opened his arms, heart, and occasionally his menu to us. It was a rare evening when some of us didn't wind up at Enrico's after our last show of the night.
One Sunday afternoon in the late 60s several of us sat ourselves at some of the outdoor tables. A couple of accomplices argued as they rolled a bus cart loaded with cream pies up the sidewalk and stopped in front. One grabbed a pie and threw it at the other who ducked - hitting, as planned, one of The Committee actors who grabbed another pie and tossed it at his attacker. This set off the world's greatest pie fight (with the possible exception of Laurel & Hardy's - which inspired this one) as the other Committee folks and civilian diners jumped in, hurling and slipping and sliding. Enrico saw what was happening and ran out, grabbed a couple of pies himself and aimed at the cleanest faces he could find -- and then 86ed us for a week. The times were great and he was, too. He still is.
Francis Brass
October 10, 2007
As the lights of our fair City come up, with the sun setting behind the North Beach hills, you held court on the edge of it all, hosting stars and luminaries, singers and trumpet players, comedians and poets,
Enrico's was a home away from home, during many nights of my young adulthood.
Your heart was as big as the City, and you always made time for everyone who came into your sphere.
You epitomized cool, bringing jazz and cutting edge comedy to North Beach and the world, in a time that seems so far away now...
We will all miss you.
Janet West
October 10, 2007
Enrico Banducci, your twinkley eyes and mischievous smile made my day on many, many occasions. A delightful person you! Rest in peace and thank you for helping to make SF the absolute best place a kid, young lady could ever hope to grow up in.
mark richards
October 10, 2007
To the good times!, you'll be missed.
mark richards
October 10, 2007
To the good times!, you'll be missed.
David Koblick
October 10, 2007
Carl Nolte said it all. I was Alvah Bessie's relief man one or two nights a week. Enrico paid me $15 a shift. I worked a full-time job as a (union) electrician. Retired in 1981, moved with my Austrian wife to Austria. Berta died two years ago. Been here 25 years, flying home to San Francisco two weeks from today. To stay! I totter a little, but can still think straight, remember Eric Nord, the hungry i and Enrico with delight. One error in Carl's story—the i stood for "intellectual."
Morgan (Tiger) Montague
October 10, 2007
My heartfelt sympathies go to the members of Enrico's family, some of whom I had the pleasure of meeting in my childhood. My father worked closely with Enrico for a few years back in the late 50's and early 60's and I had the opportunity to hangout with Banducci's crowd at the young age of 9. I vividly remember the hungry i, meeting Dick Gregory, going out on Enrico's yacht on the bay to see the Bounty vessel for Brando's remake of the film. Went up in his airplane and road around North Beach in this crazy surrey-like open canopied car. He was quite the character and very generous to me. I feel very fortunate to have met him and to have a known a North Beach neighborhood the likes of which we may never see again that he was an enormous part of.
He is sadly missed.
Daria Joseph
October 10, 2007
as a san francisco native, and the daughter of two socially active parents, the mention and experience of all things enrico was frequent. then, in my teens, i became friends with gregory and enjoyed my own exposure to this unique man... bandooch! san francisco has lost an integral part of its history with enrico's death. he brought a fabulous energy, style, and personality to our time. greg, if you are reading this, i send you love. i think often about our times together. if you feel like contacting me: [email protected].
Aija Kanbergs
October 10, 2007
When I was in high school and college, the absolutely coolest thing was to go to San Francisco and drink coffee at Enrico's sidewalk cafe, dressed all in black, pretending to be a beatnik, and hoping to catch a glimpse of Enrico in his beret. End of an era.
Ken Kashiwahara
October 10, 2007
As a college student, I worked at the hungry i screening calls for a nightly radio talk show called Crane at the Hungry i. One benefit was watching all those great entertainers. Mary's daughter called them "Peter Paul and Mommy". But my clearest memory was watching an unknown young singer dressed in a frumpy wool suit. Not too impressive until she opened her mouth. I was absolutely astounded. The legendary Barbra Streisand was born. Thanks, Enrico
nancy bauschinger
October 10, 2007
A long time ago, Enrico's was the center of the scene when we big bad high school kids came to hang out with exotic poets and musicians. We thought we were so cool and angst ridden. He never called our bluff. Now, some of us are bankers and lawyers but others are the poets and musicians. hmmmm. Cycle of life, baby.
Paul Lynch
October 10, 2007
I grew up in the days before the hippies. My familys friends had the marque from the Hungri i in front of their home near Loch Lomond in Lake County. I never new what that meant until I began working on Bay and Powell in the 70's. Mr. Banducci is a perfect gentleman, and God rest his soul.
Bob Loomis
October 10, 2007
I came to San Francisco in 1962 looking for beatnikhood and used to walk around North Bech on a circuit that included City Lights Books, Mike's Pool Hall (the old bohemian version, not the new version) and always a few passes by Enrico's to see who was sitting outside. Saw many a celeb but never had the money to dine there, nor did I ever actually meet Enrico. It was only later when I was employed that I and friends would stop there. But even in the hungry days, when he was there, he would nod and smile and say hello. And he was known in the area so that I felt I was part of the family (though a distant part) even though I didn't really know him. Ciao, Enrico, hope you are running heaven's sidewalk cafe if and when I get there.
Carl Maletic
October 10, 2007
If you hooked up at Vesuvio's and Spec's was too crowded to get in there was always Enrico's. I was so sad that I missed the hungry i, but oh how I will never forget Hunter Thompson's midnight gallop from Enrico's down the middle of Broadway!
They don't make them like Enrico anymore. God Bless.
Margaret B.
October 10, 2007
Some of my earliest memories are of my parents getting ready to go out to the hungry i or Enrico's...altho we lived in Palo Alto, they made the trip often to see the likes of Shelley Berman, Bob Newhart, Dick Gregory, The Kingston Trio, the Limeliters, and Mort Sahl just to name a few. It was a highlight for them and became a highlight for me as I got older. Enrico Banducci was a familiar name in our house. Altho I now live in Washington State, I still visit the Bay Area and especially SF every couple of years. Last time there we went to Enrico's...I just HAD TO GO!!! I'm so glad I did...but I missed seeing that cool old guy in the beret that I would occasionally get a glimpse of when I was younger. Its the end of an era- the same feeling I had when Herb Caen left us. Rest in peace, Enrico- and thanks for the good memories!
J Cook
October 10, 2007
The thought of going to the hungry i on Friday or Saturday night made going to high school in staid old Berkeley just bearable.
Jacque Skarr
October 10, 2007
He's, no doubt, at that sidewalk cafe in heaven, sipping cappucino with Herb Caen, Cyril Magnin and Henry Ford Fong! Requiscant en Pace, big guy.
Cecilia Faber
October 10, 2007
I arrived in SF June 21, 1975 from Minneapolis, MN - just a wee lass of 19. My first meal and drink that day was at Enrico's. It was all over for me after that - I spent many a night in Enrico's (never sober) after partying at the clubs on Broadway. It was the place to be when Enrico was there! Ah, so many memories (all good). May he not rest in peace but shake up the heavens with his talent for making things happen. A more charming man I have never met.
VinCi
October 10, 2007
I worked at Enrico's during its second incarnation for over seven years of my life. There's SO MUCH to say about Enrico's... It was a very special place... a place of life and death..., the birth place of Mojitos in San Francisco and maybe the Americas because NO ONE had heard of or knew of these 'Cuban kisses' at the time...much less use a muddler... It was a place of dreams alive or deadened or simply hung by a thread, very magical...in many repects. I've met my fair share of celebrities, anyone who was anyone came through here. I have served Banducci, himself, Nicholas Cage, The Edge of U2, Tom Waits, Lawernce Ferlinghetti, Carol Doda (The blonde on the marquis of the old Condor), the sweetest well known Madonna impersonator from Finocchio's, ZZ Top, Bill Cosby, Anna Nicole Smith, Neve Campbell, Francis Ford Coppola, 'The Milk Guy', Terence Trent Darby, Gavin Newsome before he became mayor, his father, Judge Newsome,Barnaby Conrad III, Jill Elkenberry & her equally famous hubby whose name escapes me now, Siouxie Sioux of Siouxie and The Banshees, Winona Ryder, maybe Allen Ginsberg and there's so many many more whom I can't recall.) And I've made many friends here and many of them survived the age of time. There was a good chunk of experiences happy and not so happy here, that will always remain enlightened in my heart and much of that has helped shape my soul. Without the vision of Enrico Banducci, I would not be who I am today and for that, Mr.Banducci, I give thanks and much respect.
Susan Churchill
October 9, 2007
Enrico was a San Francisco icon that will live forever in my mind as the king of North Beach. I met him and Ricardo Mantalban at Enrico's in SF and will never forget that time. A fabulous "one of a kind" man and a special place in time.... Thank you Enrico for being YOU.
Dan York
October 9, 2007
Enrico Banducci - the only true Padrone of North Beach - loved by all who fell under his spell, extolled unendingly by the San Francisco journalistic legend, Herb Caen, and an everlasting memory for all in the Bay Area and, perhaps, the world. There can never be another Enrico. May your own legend live on here in the City By The Bay; where you left your heart.
Bill McCauley
October 9, 2007
Rest easy and rest well, Enrico. You were one of a kind and will never be forgotten.
anton phillips
October 9, 2007
One of the first places I went to when I came out here from Columbus, Ohio 35+ years ago. After I saw Enrico's I knew I was staying.
Thomas Murphy
October 9, 2007
A true San Franciscan. He will be missed but I'm sure his spirit will carry on....
Kamila
Kamila Kennedy
October 9, 2007
Throughout the 70's I spent most late nights after my performances at the Casbah, Baghdad, Greek taverna or Plaka Taverna at Enrico's where I was guaranteed a low cost/calorie healthy meal accompanied by interesting locals and tourists for visual interest and fun intereaction in a safe and entertaining venue. Enrico's was my evening kitchen and playground hosted by a marvelous, playful Papa. Nothing can ever replace those moments. I am so grateful that he was there to create the haven for all of the workers of Broadway. Thanks Enrico! You are/were/always will be a destination.
Love,
Kamila
Van Pittsenbargar
October 9, 2007
We shall miss this monument to San Francisco's history. Kudos for a job well done.
Arye Michael Bender
October 9, 2007
Enrico,
You were one of the reasons I came to San Francisco. Your spirit seemed to wrap itself around a city that was almost as big. You lived well and brought gusto to millions.
The city is far less without you.
LM Bentz
October 9, 2007
Enrico, I met you years ago for a magazine article - you kissed both my cheeks and made sure I was both charmed and well-fed. There was a light and a warmth emanating from you that I will never forget. My kisses to you Enrico - rest easy and enjoy.
John G
October 9, 2007
Wow, I never thought Enrico would pass. He was like a natural force. A little bit of San Francisco goes with him.
Bradford Graves
October 9, 2007
Erico epitomized North Beach!
I remeber singing christmas carols for him when I was a kid (with my four cousins) in the 60's. My Mom was an pre-topless entertainer at Big Alss Hotsy Totsy where when she worked she would let the likes of Barbra Streisand, Martin & Rossi be my baby sitter til she got out of work (They served food too).
He WILL be missed!
Bob Foster
October 9, 2007
Who can forget his appearances on the Les Crane radio show from the other room at the hungry i? Sigh. He is missed.
C Fed
October 9, 2007
SF has lost of its cultural icons.
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