Carmel Magazine

ROSA CATALANO STILL THE FACE OF HER BELOVED CIBO In 1990, Johnny and Rosa Catalano turned their shared Sicilian heritage and their love for music and each other into Cibo Ristorante Italiano. This midlife business idea happily consumed the couple. A renowned sax player, Johnny bounced melodies off the walls each night while his beloved Rosa wowed guests with her Sicilian cuisine. Johnny is gone, lost to cancer in 2008. Each day Rosa conducts a loving chat at his graveside before returning to work at their restaurant. She's 86. "I wake up every morning and thank God I'm healthy and get to go to work. I can still move around. And my computer is pretty good, too," she says, pointing to her perfectly coiffed head. This spunky and stylish signora still commands a presence at Cibo. Her son Mario does the daily heavy lifting, but Rosa stirs pots and keeps a watchful eye on every plate that leaves the kitchen. Through the years, celebrities such as TV host Bryant Gumbel, singer Michael Bolton and Moto GP superstar Valentino Rossi have befriended Rosa, returning each year for a chat over a bowl of pasta. "I've been blessed," she says. Cibo Ristorante Italiano is located at 301 Alvarado St., Monterey. For more information, please call 831/649-8151. THE POCKET PROVES VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE Cut Federico Rusciano and he bleeds mar- inara—he's that steeped in the culinary tradi- tions of his native Italy. But the last thing he thought Carmel needed was another Italian restaurant, so the menu at The Pocket reads like 178 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 Rosa Catalano has helmed Cibo Ristorante Italiano, which she started with her late husband Johnny in Monterey, for 30 years. Today, son Mario helps run the popular restaurant, with live music 6 nights a week. Photo: Kelli Uldall food for thought Cibo Ristorante Italiano Celebrates 30 Years; The Pocket Offers California Fusion; and The Butter House Churns Out Comfort B Y L A R R Y H A R L A N D

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