Andy Baraghani Launches Personal Culinary Venture Ditto Café
The acclaimed chef and author opens a new Union Square restaurant inspired by personal connection.
1A New Culinary Chapter
Renowned chef and author Andy Baraghani is preparing to open his first restaurant, Ditto, near New York's Union Square. The project represents a significant shift for the James Beard Award winner, moving from digital media stardom to a physical space. He is partnering with restaurateur Michael Silber to bring this vision to life.
2The Meaning Behind Ditto
The name Ditto serves as a deeply personal homage, referencing a iconic scene from the film Ghost. In the movie, the term acts as a code for expressing love. Baraghani chose this title to reflect the emotional resonance he hopes his food and the restaurant's atmosphere will provide to every visiting guest.
3Operational Design and Menu
Ditto is designed as a counter-service establishment, drawing inspiration from beloved spots like Los Angeles' Gjusta. The menu will feature seasonal vegetables with Persian-inspired flourishes, alongside a rotisserie program. Offerings include spit-roasted porchetta and romanesco, displayed in an accessible, market-style format that encourages casual, high-quality dining for local neighborhood shoppers.
4Evolution of a Chef
Baraghani’s career has evolved rapidly over the last decade, transitioning from a magazine video star to a bestselling cookbook author. He emphasizes that he is no longer interested in footnoting his creative vision. His approach now focuses on explicit confidence, blending tart, sour, and aromatic flavors into a singular, cohesive culinary identity.
5Navigating Personal Loss
The development of Ditto coincides with a period of profound personal change for Baraghani. Following the 2024 passing of his father due to small-cell lung cancer, his perspective on life and work has shifted. He now views loss as a void to live with rather than a problem to be solved.
6Cultural and Family Roots
Raised in the Bay Area by Iranian immigrant parents, Baraghani’s culinary curiosity was sparked by a diverse community of family friends. His upbringing, characterized by political activism and global exposure to varied cuisines, continues to influence his cooking. These early experiences remain foundational to his current aesthetic and his culinary point-of-view.
7Balancing Multiple Demands
Despite the pressures of opening a new restaurant, renovating the space, and completing a second cookbook, Baraghani maintains a sense of calm. He attributes this to clarity regarding his goals. He remains committed to avoiding professional stagnancy, prioritizing constant evolution as a writer, cook, and individual throughout his busy daily schedule.
8Future of the Space
Located in a former Agnès B. storefront on 16th Street, Ditto aims to serve as a hub for the Union Square community. While current operations focus on breakfast and lunch, the founders remain open to future possibilities. The space prioritizes accessibility, aiming to offer human-centered dishes that reflect Baraghani’s unique, punchy aesthetic.
Original article: Bon Appétit — Andy Baraghani Launches Personal Culinary Venture Ditto Café