Andy ‘n’ Bao Opening in Two Weeks at 154 Orchard

Apart from a small neon sign in the low-level window of 154 Orchard Street, Chinito never really materialized.  The concept was a Vietnamese/Mexican fusion joint, and was to be Michael “Bao” Huynh’s answer to Snack Dragon just a few doors north. But it failed to launch.

Then last month, Eater reported that the Chinito venture was being scrapped entirely, and replaced with something called Andy ‘n’ Bao. This latest incarnation of 154 Orchard Street will boast Thai/Vietnamese cuisine.  And word on the street is that patrons can order fried grasshoppers. Yum.

We stopped by yesterday evening to assess progress, and were welcomed by a young man painting a sprawling mural inside.  He introduced himself as Beau (of graffiti fame), and his presence here made perfect sense.  As Grieve noted a couple weeks ago, Beau had been commissioned to decorate the gate of BarBao, another Huynh eatery on St. Mark’s Place. The artist informed us that Andy ‘n’ Bao should be up and running within two weeks. As you can see, the kitchen still needs some TLC.

Speaking of Beau, he’s no longer using that name for any ambitious illegal graffiti work.  That name is now earmarked for the public art scene. We learned that the identity change was a result of an arrest back on November 2. Apparently he was busted while tagging with the ubiquitous Jim Joe on the west side.

But as previously reported, the business itself remains on the open market.  However, the price has been chopped from $150,000 in key money to $95,000; plus $6,500 per month in rent.