San Francisco County
Biographies
ANTOINE DE BUA BLANCO
One of San Francisco’s most famous restaurateurs was the late Antoine de Bua Blanco, who was for many years the owner of the well known Poodle Dog cafe, which was patronized by the most discriminating epicures of the city, and which was a monument to this most expert purveyor of foods.
Mr. Blanco was born in Malaga, in the province of Malaga, Spain, and was a son of Juan and Carmen (de Bua) Blanco. Juan Blanco was a hotel man in picturesque Malaga, but later moved his family to Havana, Cuba, where he conducted the popular Hotel Victoria. He died in Havana, after which his widow assumed the management of the hotel. His son, Antoine, was educated in Spain, and when a youth started in a seafaring career. He sailed to many foreign countries, including China, Japan, India, South America, and also made the long voyage around Cape Horn. Eventually, he landed in New York, gave up the sea, and became steward of the historic Delmonico’s restaurant in that city. In this capacity he remained for several years, and in this noted eating place he acquired most valuable knowledge of the business and of catering to high-class diners. Subsequently, he came to San Francisco, California, to accept a position as steward of the Maison Reich, where he made an enviable reputation. Next he became affiliated with the Poodle Dog restaurant on Dupont and Bush streets (now Grant avenue and Bush), and after a time he purchased the business, but later disposed thereof. He built a new Poodle Dog restaurant on Mason and Eddy streets about eight years before the fire of 1906, and here he created a cafe which was one of the most attractive of old San Francisco, and which was indicated to visitors as one of the typically colorful dining-rooms in the city. This place was entirely consumed by flames during the disastrous days of 1906. Mr. Blanco waited seven months after this unfortunate occurrence, then opened another restaurant on O’Farrell street between Polk and Larkin, known as “Blancos,” and after a number of years built another Poodle Dog on Mason street between Eddy and Ellis. This he conducted for ten years, and then closed his doors. He died April 21, 1919.
On April 24, 1904, Mr. Blanco was married to Cora Porter Dannals, of Windsor, Missouri, and they became the parents of two children, Bernice de Bua and Gwendolyn de Bua Blanco. Mrs. Blanco and her children survive and make their residence at 1929 Laguna street in San Francisco. By his first marriage Mr. Blanco had the following children: Mrs. Carmen Kendall; Mrs Antonia Roberts; and William Blanco, who is living in France.
Mr. Blanco was a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner. He gave his support to the republican party in political affairs. In business aside from his restaurant, he was a director in the Central Trust Company. He was universally known as one of the city’s most generous men, and was a large contributor to numerous charities. He found inspiration and pleasure in the home which he had created for himself and family, and the hours he spent there were his happiest. He imparted pleasure to hosts of people who knew his fine restaurant and the cordial reception which he always had for one who entered his door. The giving of personal satisfaction meant more to him than material gain. This was an outstanding trait in his personality. He well merited the place he held in the estimation of the San Francisco public.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Byington, Lewis Francis, “History of
San Francisco 3 Vols”, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1931. Vol. 3 Pages 314-316.
© 2008 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
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