We had planned to go to another restaurant, but when that fell through, 2 of the 4 of us looked at each other and said “Catania”. We had both eaten there the week before, on separate dates (not together) and since the food is always great, even without a happy hour, it was our choice.
So it’s Phyllis, Me, Nafisa and Robyn. At 3:30pm there’s no traffic in La Jolla and plenty of parking. We should do this more often! loll
Our Favorite Suggestion for you to order is Smoked Duck Liver Crostini, with dates, raisins, currants, almonds, pickled shallot and parsley.
Robyn says: “Is just wonderful”. Nifisa says: “It’s just amazing. I
really like the parsley on top.” Everyone at the table agrees. It’s such a yummy dish. Items on the menu are deceptive. You think: “Will that actually taste good”? Well, the answer is yes!
Aside from that, when in doubt ask the waiter: “What are the 3 most ordered with customer satisfaction that you have on the menu.” Usually, that works and it certainly worked here. Next, we had two pasta dishes: Corn Casonecelli which is grilled corn, ricotta salata, corn ash and lime along with an oh so yummy Casoncelli Pasta. So unique. So delicious.
Robyn says: “The corn dish is good …. better than I expected.” Phyllis says: “I didn’t know what to expect but it just sounds so different, I wanted it and it’s good.” Nafisa adds: “It’s a good combination of corn, sauce and pasta.” We also tried their Tagliatelle. I personally like all of their pasta because it’s handmade.
Dessert at Catania was equally amazing. A Panna Cotta that is very unique and different than anyone at the table has ever tasted. And the key to dessert? Not being overly sweet.
I think it was the happiness of no traffic, no parking issues and how kind the manager was, letting us take a seat outside before they opened at 4pm that gave us a good start to the ‘tasting.’
Two of the four people eating came into the restaurant as newcomers. And the four of us walked away, feeling like the combination of food and friends make a truly enjoyable afternoon out.
I must say there has not been even one time that I’ve brought people to Catania without each and every one of us walking away totally satisfied. That’s because all the pasta’s are handmade. The pizza is from a woodfired stove (2 of us took pizzas home). And the food is as carefully plated and created with love. You can feel it from the staff. You can feel it from the ambiance. And you can certainly taste it in the food. Main ingredient from the chef? Love.
Can’t wait to go back!
With garlic, gusto and gratitude,
Chef Marian🥂
📧 ChefMarianKitchenConfident@gmail.com
🌎 chefmarian.com
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San Diego & Carlsbad Foodies
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