The Sonoma Table

Sonoma native Dame Domenica Catelli is no stranger to food—you might say she was born to be a chef. Her family started Geyserville’s historic Catelli’s The Rex restaurant nearly a century ago. After the restaurant closed in the 1990’s, Domenica and her brother Nicholas reopened the restaurant in 2010 to great fanfare.

Domenica is not only a celebrity (she has been featured many times on the Food Network—as a seven-time winner of Guy’s Grocery Games and a cookbook author, for example) but is also a passionate advocate for those in need. She has been essential in gathering and nurturing displaced families from fires, hurricanes, and other tragedies. Her philanthropic efforts fundraising, volunteering, and donating to local causes have made a significant impact in the Sonoma community.

Let’s learn a little bit more about Domenica!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up between Geyserville, Healdsburg, and Santa Rosa and a few years in Walnut Creek

What’s your heritage or what would you like to share regarding your heritage?

My Italian immigrant grandfather Santi Catelli, and my Italian 1st generation grandmother, Virginia, opened Catellis in 1936, the year my father Richard was born. It was opened as “The Rex” as they had obtained a free sign and later added the family name to make it Catelli’s The Rex.

My grandfather was also a big bootlegger back in the day, and we were THE stop for farmers, wine growers and people traveling north and south on the 101 Highway since it ran through Geyserville at the time.

My mother’s parents were from Spain and Germany. My maternal grandmother opened the first rehabilitation hospital in Sonoma County in the early 60's.

How'd you get into the food industry?

I didn’t think I was going to go the chef route, but after my daughter Chiara was born, I knew I needed to pick a lane. I had worked between fashion and food for five years. I chose food. When I was 26 years old, I was given my first Executive Chef job to create the Raven Restaurant for the Stanford Inn in Mendocino.

Who Inspired you to get into the food industry?

My love of eating out and the restaurants I ate at in my younger years made an impact on me! Alice Waters, Nancy Silverton, Wolfgang Puck and John Ash were some early influences or inspirations. Since I re-opened Catellis and went on the journey of being an owner and chef, I’m inspired by the people who have forged paths that I learn from when we share our ups and downs—people like fellow Dames Liza Hinman and Maneet Chauhan, Duskie Estes, Crista Ludke, Tiffany Faison, LeeAnn Wong, Alison Ward, Laura Sanfilippo, Tara Heffernon, Dustin Valette, Ari Rosen, Dino Bugica, Sean Kelley.

What are you currently doing? Are you working on more than one thing?

I am having a blast in the kitchen with my great team. Our Chef de Cuisine left about three months ago, and I am back in the kitchen full-time. I am looking forward to doing some pop-ups later on this spring and summer, and hopefully bringing in some other Chef friends as well. I’ll keep you updated!

Tell us a bit about your accomplishments.

I’ve reached a broad audience of people through my appearances on television, digital and print media and through my cookbook, “Mom-a-licious.” I won “Guy’s Grocery Games” seven times and I’ve been a judge twice on “Iron Chef America,” both on the Food Network. I’ve been a guest on CBS News and was featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, Web MD, and Oprah.com. I was also the national spokesperson for several organic, healthy products including Safeway’s “O Organics,” Stonyfield Farms and Lifeway Kefir.

Have you found yourself being motivated to do more in your community—and if so, in what way?

I’ve been heavily involved in our community since I moved back here almost 15 years ago. From fundraisers for those in need, to being part of cooking for first responders and evacuees during the fires and cooking for elders and those in need during Covid.

What do you like to do for fun?

Work, eat out with friends, go on hikes near the ocean, travel, be with my dogs and husband on evening sunset walks.  

Do you have favorite restaurants or cafes that you like to support in Sonoma County?

Lo and Behold, Roof Top at the Matheson, Geyserville Gun Club, Spinster Sisters, RoadTrip, Boone, Plank, Fermata, Hana Sushi

What do you enjoy about being a Dame?

When I’m able to attend events, it's about connecting with the other Dames as well as the hope of being able to mentor up and coming women in our industry.

—Written by Dame Gilian Handelman