How Chafing Resulted in a City: The Tale of Bob and Ted Orinda
Source: Orinda Historical Society. Were they really brothers, or just men with a vision?
Orinda, CA – Nestled between the rolling hills and lush landscapes just east of the Oakland Hills, Orinda is a city with a rich and somewhat whimsical history, thanks in large part to its founders, Bob and Ted Orinda. The “brothers”, who set out from Boston in 1849, embarked on a rugged journey westward with dreams not of gold but of establishing a world-class hotel and spa to serve the weary miners heading to San Francisco.
Their journey was a grueling one, marked by harsh weather and the discomfort of their handmade attire—a stark reminder of the hardships of 19th-century travel. Yet, they pressed on, undeterred by these adversities and the constant lure to turn back, propelled by the vision of their future enterprise.
It wasn't until they reached the last hill overlooking the San Francisco Bay. “The chafing is unbearable, we can go no further! ”wrote Ted in his journal. Bob and Ted dismounted their shared horse and declared, "This is the place." Here, they built a simple cabin which eventually expanded to include a handsome veranda, becoming a welcoming stop for pioneers on their way to the bustling city by the bay.
Bob and Ted soon became known for their hospitality, offering pastries and seasonal drinks to travelers, slowly cementing their place in the community. However, curiosity about what lay beyond the hills led them to venture through the first bore of the Caldecott Tunnel into San Francisco, 40 years after settling in Orinda. Upon their return, they were more certain than ever that Orinda was their true home.
To celebrate their decision to plant roots in Orinda, they founded Casa Orinda—a restaurant intended for locals who desired a dining experience reminiscent of San Francisco's allure but closer to home. Their vision was to create a culinary haven for those not adventurous enough to drive to the city but still eager to enjoy a night out. Casa Orinda was an instant success, attracting diners who shared the brothers' sentiment and appreciated the local alternative to the city's dining scene. "It was the first restaurant to offer salad west of Reno and east of San Francisco. It was initially confusing to the customers, having many ask that it be returned to the kitchen. Still, people eventually liked it, with salad becoming Casa Orinda's signature dish," stated Ethel Grimswald, an unofficial town historian. (1) (2)
Today, Casa Orinda stands as a landmark within walking distance of the bustling Theater Square Retail Corridor, next to the Mash Gas Station, known for its suspiciously low-priced gas. The restaurant remains a tribute to Bob and Ted's enduring legacy, commitment to the community they loved, and their lack of initiative to cross the last hill separating Orinda and the San Francisco Bay. The story of the Orinda brothers is a reminder of the enduring American spirit of adventure and the value of finding and making a home wherever one feels most connected.
Footnotes:
1) Casa Orinda still offers salad with many dressing choices.
2) Kale and swiss chard suck!