THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cafe Catalina

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cafe Catalina Restaurant Review:

The north end of the old and downscale Catalina Shopping Center looks unpromising, but it hides a gem. Chef Darren Weiss is both creative and ambitious, and he has made Café Catalina known far beyond local circles. The menu shows his love of both unusual meats and produce and eclectic combinations of Asian, regional American and Italian dishes. Lobster and sweet potato chowder is enlivened with a dash of Thai-spiced coconut milk; Cobb salad is topped with duck confit and passion fruit vinaigrette. In less talented hands this could be a chaotic mishmash of flavors, but Weiss pulls it off just about every time. Those who are wary of complex flavors or on restricted diets can order from the Plain and Simple menu, and chef Weiss has been adept at creating dishes to order for people with food allergies. The wine list is exceptionally good, and Café Catalina periodically hosts winemaker dinners and other special events. Note: If business is slow, Café Catalina closes early---if the place is jumping it might be open until midnight. Call ahead to avoid disappointment.