Nearly 200 people packed in Catelli’s Restaurant in Geyserville last night as the Italian eatery made it’s television debut on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
“We had a random person who saw the show call within 10 minutes and make a reservation. We’re excited to see what happens,” said Domenica Catelli, who is both chef and owner.
How did it come about? Co-owner (and brother)Nicholas worked for host Guy Fieri for more than a decade as cook, bartender and eventually manager of Johnny Garlic’s and Tex Wasabi’s. “It was really nice of him to consider us, considering we’re neither a diner, drive-in or dive,” Catelli said.
Fieri, who filmed in December, called the Catelli’s family ravioli’s some of the best he’d ever eaten. Rolled paper-thin, Chef Domenica showed viewers that you could even read the paper (which happened to be a Press Democrat) through the dough. Other family recipes on the menu include made to order meatballs sliders, Nonnie’s minestrone, local lamb, burgers and the family’s secret sauce.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because the Catelli’s have a long Sonoma County history, having debuted in it’s current home in the 1936. Known as “The Rex”, the homestyle Italian eatery endured until the mid-1980s (the family was not involved in a namesake restaurant in Healdsburg). Santi, which relocated to Santa Rosa in 2010. Shortly after the move, Domenica and brother Nicholas re-opened the restaurant after buying the building from their father.
Well-known in the food world for her expertise on healthy and organic cooking, the Catelli’s source locally and organically
“We always dreamed of coming back,” said Domenica.
Catelli’s, 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, (707) 857-3471
Is catelli’s still open? Ate there about 5 years ago, the raviolis were to die for.
yep still opens
Hi, saw you on dines, drive-ins and dives. Looks great! Is there anyway to order the meatballs thru the mail? Let me know please.
Thanks, stacey
Hi, saw you on dines, drive-ins and dives. Looks great! Is there anyway to order the meatballs thru the mail? Let me know please.
Thanks, stacey
I wouldnt mind trying it as long as johnny garlic didnt touch the food.
We ate at Catelli’s during restaurant week and were thoroughly pleased ! Too bad we didn’t know of the tv show until after the fact ! Any idea when it will be reaired?
I ate at Catelli’s on Mother’s Day with my mom and grandma and it was one of the best meals we have ever had. We were there for 2 1/2 hours and treated like family. The burrata was incredible. The salads were crisp and fresh with tasty dressings. I had the 10-layer lasagne with meat sauce and fell in love. We shared the molten chocolate cake for dessert and it was delicious and mouth watering. I’ll be back as soon as I can! They also grind all their own meat and source local produce.
I wouldnt mind trying it as long as johnny garlic didnt touch the food.
We ate at Catelli’s during restaurant week and were thoroughly pleased ! Too bad we didn’t know of the tv show until after the fact ! Any idea when it will be reaired?
I ate at Catelli’s on Mother’s Day with my mom and grandma and it was one of the best meals we have ever had. We were there for 2 1/2 hours and treated like family. The burrata was incredible. The salads were crisp and fresh with tasty dressings. I had the 10-layer lasagne with meat sauce and fell in love. We shared the molten chocolate cake for dessert and it was delicious and mouth watering. I’ll be back as soon as I can! They also grind all their own meat and source local produce.