The Deliberate Detour | Revisited
Sometimes, the best detours take us somewhere we’ve already been.
When we first visited Catalina Cucina Italian Kitchen & Bar in Woodstock, Georgia, the restaurant had only been open a few weeks. And, as is often the case with a new establishment, there were still a few kinks to work out.
We shared our experience at the time, but we certainly weren’t opposed to giving it another try.
Fast-forward a little.
Tom had been hearing good things about Catalina while spending time at his favorite cigar spot. And on a beautiful Sunday, with no particular agenda beyond enjoying a nice lunch, we found ourselves driving around and wondering where to eat.
Why not give Catalina another chance?
We’re so glad we did.
Walking through the doors, I was reminded just how lovely the restaurant itself is. From the charming scalloped umbrellas outside to the beautiful textures, warm woodwork, thoughtfully chosen furnishings, and inviting interior, Catalina has created a space that’s both stylish and comfortable.
We settled into a lovely table, and the afternoon immediately took on that easygoing Sunday feeling.
Our waiter, Lamar, was absolutely delightful. Personable, attentive, and genuinely pleasant, he helped set the tone for what turned out to be a wonderful lunch.
I decided to try a Fig Bellini.
And then another.
Because sometimes a leisurely Sunday lunch calls for a second round. Who’s counting anyway?
For lunch, I opted for the meatball appetizer, beautifully presented in its own little skillet with a rich tomato sauce and toasted bread alongside.
Tom took Lamar’s recommendation and ordered the lasagna, which arrived in its own charming little serving dish. He was quite pleased with his choice.
And because a leisurely Sunday lunch deserves a sweet ending, we ordered the ricotta cheesecake.
We didn’t devour it. We nibbled. Savored. Shared.
Just enough sweetness to finish an already lovely afternoon.
What stood out most about this second visit wasn’t simply the food, although we thoroughly enjoyed our choices.
It was the entire experience.
The relaxed atmosphere. The comfortable surroundings. The attentive service. The pleasure of having nowhere in particular we needed to be.
And perhaps most importantly, the satisfaction of discovering that a place we’d visited before had become somewhere we’d happily visit again.
Opening a restaurant is no small undertaking. Sometimes the best thing we can do is allow a little grace for those early growing pains.
First impressions matter. But they don’t always have to be final impressions.
Catalina Cucina, we’re happy we came back.
And Lamar, thank you for making our Sunday lunch such a pleasant one.
Until our next detour…
Travel discerningly. Love deeply. Live deliberately.
The Deliberate Detour
Because the best destinations are the ones we choose deliberately.
