tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post7043045113826785716..comments2024-02-24T19:37:44.567-05:00Comments on The Adventures of Pie Queen: Osento, 1980-2008Stephanie J. Rosenbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09073188964428241941noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-54755081303008816752013-05-10T05:39:25.927-04:002013-05-10T05:39:25.927-04:00Wow, I can't believe I'm crying after read...Wow, I can't believe I'm crying after reading this, and all the comments. I was transported back to Osento-- it was a safe, joyful place for me while I was healing. I still miss it. I lived in SF in the late 80s and this is what I remember! Ally Shawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14284050448257975633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-70832065939010772782009-10-18T20:22:56.100-04:002009-10-18T20:22:56.100-04:00Wow, that brings back memories and it's sad to...Wow, that brings back memories and it's sad to see it close. I don't live in S.F. anymore, but I moved there in 1987 and for years I was a regular at Osento. So sad to hear I can't go back. I remember women rubbing salt all over themselves in the sauna and throwing water with menthol on the hot coals. And I used to like to do the cold dip in that wine barrel and just sit out in the courtyard under the avacado tree (was it an avacado tree?). There was always interesting, pleasant conversation and then there was the room in the back where you could nap or trade massages. And it was so cheap -- as I recall it was a sliding scale starting at like six dollars. <br />I used to meet friends there to relax! And yes, Amelia's and queer nation -- those were the days!Ms. Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09072605501562962504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-58139686386929792912009-08-08T01:42:11.263-04:002009-08-08T01:42:11.263-04:00leaving for san francisco in the morning, so excit...leaving for san francisco in the morning, so excited to take my partner to one of my favorite spas - in fact, one of my favorite places - in the city.<br /><br />typed in "did osento close?" and happened upon your fabulous tribute. just like one of the earlier posts, i, too, could smell the dr. bonners, eucalyptus, and the lemons; i remembered the feeling of the warm sun and cool night air from the roof deck. <br /><br />i am beyond sad, but feel lucky to have so many fond memories, and also lucky to have found out about its closure through such a lovely post.Kimberlee Wardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10511060212083836522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-9338524495526947612009-01-27T23:44:00.000-05:002009-01-27T23:44:00.000-05:00I knew Osento closed down from friends. I haven't...I knew Osento closed down from friends. I haven't been there in years, but as I was reading your post, I could see everything in my head so clearly. I could smell the sauna, and I remember that shower with the Dr. Bronners. I remember that cutting board, which sometimes held limes as well. I remember the mats with all the candles and the quiet room, and that outdoor shower.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for taking me back.Monhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10414206552049608109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-33491386892058308712008-12-18T12:39:00.000-05:002008-12-18T12:39:00.000-05:00I use to be a regular at Osento and now have less ...I use to be a regular at Osento and now have less time and haven't been in 6 months, my first time there was 10 years ago and I felt blessed that this place existed. I when there last night to find out that the place was closed ( I was hoping for a small renovation) and I am very sadden to find out that this is the end of Osento. I wish I had known and offered my services as an architect (pro bono) to keep this place open. I am sure with outreach, we could have kept the place open.<BR/>Thank you for writing this article. The place was a little heaven.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-7041663474151370902008-10-28T15:48:00.000-04:002008-10-28T15:48:00.000-04:00Thank you for writing such a beautiful tribute to ...Thank you for writing such a beautiful tribute to what was one of my favorite places to be in San Francisco!<BR/><BR/>After 8 years as a patron of Osento, I too was terribly sad to see it close its doors. I've made new friends there, soaked with old ones, and flirted with dates. I've processed exes and new relationships alike while sitting in that marvelous hottub with wonderful women around me...Kabuki is lovely, but since you're not allowed to talk there, it will just never fill the void left by the absence of Osento. <BR/><BR/>Thanks again for writing this!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-55775565955050980102008-10-21T21:15:00.000-04:002008-10-21T21:15:00.000-04:00Lovely tribute...I remember all the old dyke/women...Lovely tribute...I remember all the old dyke/womens businesses on Valencia back in the late 80s when I first visited SF.<BR/><BR/>Sorry to hear Osento is now gone...was planning a soak whilst I was here this week :-(Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-27681047228444644332008-10-20T10:50:00.000-04:002008-10-20T10:50:00.000-04:00glad to find your comments.heard from a friend the...glad to find your comments.<BR/>heard from a friend the other day that osento is no more.<BR/>very sad news. it was a wonderful sanctuary that i cherished.<BR/>just glad i was fortunate enough to spend lots of time relaxing<BR/>there in the past. it was good for the body and soul.<BR/>i'll never forget you, osento. <BR/>many thanks and blessings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-59322545148077515252008-09-30T17:04:00.000-04:002008-09-30T17:04:00.000-04:00Try Imperial Day Spa at 1875 Geary Blvd. I like i...Try Imperial Day Spa at 1875 Geary Blvd. I like it a lot.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-8209345067426947882008-09-20T09:31:00.000-04:002008-09-20T09:31:00.000-04:00Well, you could try Kabuki Hot Springs instead. It...Well, you could try Kabuki Hot Springs instead. It's in SF, near Fillmore/Geary. They have all-women days several times a week, and it's very clean, peaceful, and relaxing. Not the same hippie vibe, but still a good choice.Stephanie J. Rosenbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09073188964428241941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-43666419079554356522008-09-20T00:34:00.000-04:002008-09-20T00:34:00.000-04:00damn, louise. Now what? I planned a vacation to Os...damn, louise. Now what? <BR/><BR><BR/>I planned a vacation to Osanto this coming winter. Just myself. <BR/>Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-67230759081393521972008-09-11T09:53:00.000-04:002008-09-11T09:53:00.000-04:00No! I'm a lifelong New Yorker, and every trip to S...No! I'm a lifelong New Yorker, and every trip to San Francisco, more than 15 times, has meant a visit to Osento with my girlfriends. I am heartbroken. At least I found out through a lovely tribute.Audreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03546072900913486478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-83428348091524078602008-09-08T16:08:00.000-04:002008-09-08T16:08:00.000-04:00not only is this an amazing little article. i just...not only is this an amazing little article. i just learned so much about dyke san francisco, long before i moved here!<BR/><BR/>I too am so sad about osento. i loved that place. <BR/><BR/>thanks for this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-12873860886688804372008-09-02T01:13:00.000-04:002008-09-02T01:13:00.000-04:00This is such a beautiful tribute.. makes me all no...This is such a beautiful tribute.. makes me all nostalgic for a place I never went to. A little bit of a change from your usual effect on me - making me just damn hungry!joe cupcakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08061917658732987712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11191856.post-67707840358188236342008-08-22T07:54:00.000-04:002008-08-22T07:54:00.000-04:00When you're next in London, pop in and lets have a...When you're next in London, pop in and lets have a pie cook off. ThierryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com