Flip Flops or Manolo’s…
What springs to mind when I think of La Jolla’s dining options are two extremes, ultra-casual staples of taco shops and delis from my high school days (GO VIKINGS) or fine dining establishments lining Prospect’s visitor row. When I was asked to come in and dine at the newest WNLH restaurant for San Diego Restaurant Week, I agreed. I had been curious about the new restaurant and how the layout had been changed from the once ill-fated Jack’s La Jolla that had previously occupied the space.
the new digs
Catania has filled a hole in the La Jolla dining scene that has been vacant for a very long time. The vibe is casual but chic with it’s easy flow layout and genuinely friendly staff. It feels like the kind of place you want to bring your guests to experience real folks of La Jolla, enjoy weekly family dinners, have date night with hubby, meet the gals for a glass of wine. It’s the daily life gathering place. The open kitchen gives diners a peek into the constant movement and energy that rolls through a working kitchen at dinner service. At the right angle, you may catch a glimpse of the roaring fire inside the pizza oven which is pumping out unique pies that are packed with a flavor punch that will delight (more about that later).
The patio view is simply the way to go on a beautiful day/evening. You have a choice of seating styles too. Sit at a table for a traditional dining experience or meet friends at the bar and sit in single file, bar height seating overlooking Wall Street. Catania doesn’t boast one of those unobstructed, 180˚ Pacific Ocean views that some of the Prospect restaurants have. Instead, it gives a nod to it’s Italian, coastal inspiration, a restaurant, perched above with sea views in the background of a bustling town.
The bar, which like the rest of the restaurant is open to the outside, doesn’t get in the way of the views nor the ability to enjoy the perfect, coastal weather. It sits just inside with service on both sides allowing a nice separation from the main dining areas.
San Diego Restaurant Week
Catania is adding a little twist to their dining experience for San Diego Restaurant Week. Instead of creating a limited menu to choose from on a specially crafted three-course meal, the Whisk N Ladle Hospitality group has decided to let you build your own Restaurant Week experience around their whole menu. Choose one appetizer, one main dish and a dessert from their scrumptious menu and they will serve it up family style. Their three course offering is $45 NOT $50 as it is stated on the SDRW website. You will not be disappointed.
With all the weekend’s KAABOO events finally over, I am playing catch up from last week. Stay tuned for part two of our La Jolla dinner date in the Catania Review, coming up next. Have a great week!
May I suggest the Yellow Fin Crudo. You haven’t had it like this. Thanks, Chef! ~ Marie, a gal and her fork
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