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Damian Mandola

Damian has loved to cook Italian-style, as well as explore local flavors and cuisines, since he was a child. He started his first restaurant 38 years ago in 1975 as a college senior: "Damian's Fine Italian Food." Once established, he became an integral part of the Houston restaurant scene, first with D'Amico's, then Damian's Cucina Italiana, then to the national scene with Carrabba's, a restaurant he founded with nephew Johnny Carrabba. Damian and Johnny have hosted a popular PBS cooking series and written three best-selling Italian cookbooks. Most recently, Damian has started three new ventures around the Austin area. He divides his time between the popular, bustling Mandola's Italian Market's 3 locations, Mandola Estate and Trattoria Lisina.

Trina Mandola

Trina began her 23 years of restaurant experience in high school, working for the famous Swinging Door Bar-B-Que in her hometown of Richmond, Texas.
Trina's culinary and event-planning skills were honed at some of Houston's most prestigious restaurants. A love of customer interaction as well as expertise in operations also flourished during this time. Trina has a keen eye for design and has been very involved with the overall aesthetic of Mandola's Italian Market, Mandola Estate and Trattoria Lisina.

It was at the original Carrabba's that Trina met Damian and discovered their common passion for all things Italian. Now, living in the Texas Hill Country, Trina & Damian, along with their children, have carved out a little slice of Tuscany and brought it to Driftwood.

John Lichtenberger, Chef

Chef John is a graduate of New York City's acclaimed French Culinary Institute. He has spent 20 years working in some of Manhattan's best restaurants. John was a major player in the opening team for NYC's 4-star Le Bernardin. John's background is quite diverse; from fine dining to his tenure in catering at the Fifth Avenue Ballroom, his most recent position was in the theater district at Chez Josephine.

Looking for a better quality of life, John and his wife Carla discovered the Texas Hill country where they now reside with their Standard Poodles, Harry & Stella. As fate would have it, John met Damian & Trina and decided to share in the Mandola's dream. John is Chef and General Manager of the restaurant.

Matt Vegas, General Manager

Persuaded to move from beautiful Florida, Matt was given a unique opportunity in Austin, Tx with Mandola's Italian Market. Having embraced the Italian way of dining and business, the next opportunity, at Trattoria Lisina, was even better. "I'm here everyday providing true hospitality and education about Italian culture and food."

Kimberly Wagerman, Director of Events

As Event Coordinator, Kimberly is responsible for booking and coordinating all special events and private parties at Trattoria Lisina.  With 19 years experience in the restaurant and service industry, she has dedicated the past 9 years specifically to event planning.  Kimberly's passion and knowledge of food and wine, coupled with her attention to detail, makes her the ideal expert to assist you in planning your special event.

Josh Prewitt, Manager

Born and raised in Duncanville Tx, Josh came here to pursue a history degree from Texas State. While working at the Cedar Grove Steakhouse in Wimberly Tx, he discovered Trattoria Lisina. This was his opportunity to showcase Italian wines and the cusine of a truly great chef.

Tony Dominguez, Sous Chef

A texas native, Tony attended Le Cordon Bleu in Austin. He happened into an opportunity to work under Chef John and learned all he knows from the master. Tony's passion for food doesn't stop at the end of his shift. He continues late nights, creating many different cuisines at a food truck in downtown Austin.