The name sounds misleading, eliciting imagery of "Little Orphan Annie," or playful puns from Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist". But the food served at Orphan is absolutely no joke. 

Chris Pendarvis, owner of Naked Lounge and Naked Coffee in Sacramento, opened his new restaurant on Sept 28. 

"Coffee is very competitive," Pendarvis said. "I wanted to move forward on a different level, and round out the Naked Coffee business. We certainly now have all morning needs covered."

Orphan is located across the Cannery Business Park in East Sacramento. The space has already been used as a restaurant over the years, Moxie Jr. initially, then the more recent Sapor and Soprattutto Salumeria & Ristorante.

The name Orphan just felt right when he saw the space, Pendarvis said. 

"I don't believe in brand identification," he said. "I was attracted to the sound and it just felt right. I looked up the definition and found it to also mean, 'to deprive of commercial sponsorship, not partnered.' I knew that was the name right away." 

Pendarvis redesigned the interior giving it a modern contemporary feel. The seating is intimate, allowing only about 24 sit-down patrons. Wood tables, wrought iron chairs and black and white photographs hang from colorful walls around the building. Three windowed roll-up doors face the east side, obliging patrons the opportunity for outdoor dining. 

"I wanted it to be accessible and comfortable," he said. "The feel should be eclectic, but not shabby. I wanted to utilize the space and got rid of some ugly windows that were in here previously." 

The menu is identical to Isabel's Catina, created by Chef Isabel Cruz, whom Pendarvis worked with in Pacific Beach, California.  The Asian and Latin fusion cuisine creates healthy vegetarian and meat dishes.  All the ingredients are fresh and delectable, Pendarvis said. 

"I want people to leave an empty plate, but not feeling like they ate a horse," Pendarvis joked. "The meals are not super weighty or heavy, but you will leave feeling satisfied."

Banana blackberry pancakes are served with fresh fruit puree with real maple syrup. Breakfast tamales are made from sweet corn served with eggs, black beans and garnished with cheese, sour cream, tomatoes and cilantro.  Both are priced under $10. 

The "eggs lulu" is made with cream cheese, scallions and roma tomatoes scrambled with three eggs, which is served between a fresh house-baked croissant and a side of fresh fruit.   

The $4 breakfast special going on right now is one of the best in town, Pendarvis said.

"It involves two blackberry pancakes, two pieces of bacon and two eggs," he said. "We call it the two-plus-two-plus-two equals four special. It is a great value for what you are getting." 

Staying true to Naked Coffee's roots, all coffee served is roasted right on site. 

"All of our coffee here is single origins," Pendarvis said. "There is no blend, it is all drip, roasted right here.  That in itself is different from other breakfast places in Sacramento." 

Pendarvis said he has no future plans for expansion, or opening up the restaurant for late lunch or dinner. 

"I am perfectly satisfied with how things are right now, I don't want to expand," he said. "Quality is lost if the product becomes too diluted. The food is well prepared with lots of love. It is all about quality for me." 

Orphan is located at 3440 C St. Operating house are Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m until 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday 8:00 a.m until 3 p.m.  

Orphan only accepts cash and checks.