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Cafe Citti 9049 Sonoma Highway Kenwood (707) 833-2690
Italian Trattoria |
You know when you walk into a place, and you instantly feel right at home? Cafe Citti feels like that. Step in to this casual, friendly and, above all, exceptionally flavorful restaurant, and you’ll see what I mean.
The first thing you’ll likely notice is the handwritten menu, which is displayed on white boards above the counter in front of the open kitchen. The counter displays all sorts of deli items for those who choose to stop by for picnic supplies—but if you stay for your meal, the rewards are plenty (excellent service and atmosphere).
Diners order what they want at the counter, then choose a seat either indoors or on the large, enclosed outdoor patio. From that point forward, the waitstaff takes over to deliver the goods. When we were there, it was a warm summer evening, so Brennen and I chose to sit outdoors. Our waiter, Tony, delivered the wine (mine was an Italian Cabernet/Sangiovese blend) in rocks glasses—I was instantly reminded of sharing wine with my Italian father.
Our salads came first. Mine was a Caesar, with chopped romaine, garlic croutons, cheese, anchovies and fresh ground pepper. Made with excellent dressing (I’m picky about that when it comes to Ceasars!), it was a great start. The other was a house salad, with mixed greens, red onions, shaved carrots, red and green cabbage, fresh tomatoes and an Italian vinaigrette. We also shared a caprese salad, with homemade mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, olive oil, pepper and basil. Simple and packed with flavor, it was perfect.
Next came the antipasto of the day, polenta rounds that were perfectly fried (crisp outside, buttery and hot inside), then topped with porcini mushrooms and a light garlic cream sauce. If I could eat those every day, I’d die a happy woman.
Our entrées were equally fantastic. Mine was a risotto with a lemon and white wine cream sauce, topped with a prawn and a sea scallop, a touch of pesto and fresh tomatoes. The risotto was the ideal consistency (not too mushy) and overall the dish had a buttery yet sharp, exciting flavor that seemed to jump out and say, “Eat me! I’m awesome!”
Brennen had ravioli Citti with Swiss chard and pork and topped with a marinara, cream basil sauce. Tony told us it was the “must-have first-time-at-Citti” dish. He was right. It had that homemade, comfort food flavor that can put a smile on anyone with a pulse.
To finish our delicious meal, we ordered espresso drinks and sampled a few desserts, including chocolate dipped almond biscotti (generous on the chocolate—yum), mint granita (shaved ice; very refreshing), cannoli filled with raisins and cream in a crisp pastry shell, moist and lovely tiramisu and a wonderful crème brulée. By then, darkness had fallen, a candle had been placed on the table, and we were truly full and happy.
