I just met Damien Mandola...the cooking show guy

[VelmaD]

Ask me anything. :)

Seriously. He just opened up an Italian Market here in Austin right across the street from where I work. I went in today to pick up something for lunch...and there he was behind the counter. He even laughed with me when I couldn't make up my mind what I wanted. It was neat. :)

[djeseru]

1. What did you end up ordering?

I haven't tried much from the menu, but the pastries are divine - I blame GOPisEvil for the chocolate cheescake habit I've accquired. :9

[VelmaD]

3. Mmm...chocolate cheesecake

Can you believe I actually passed on that today? I got some of the parmesan/sun-dried tomato bread and a cranberry scone and some cookies. Nothing too heavy.

[texas1928]

2. DARTH(Heavy Breathing)

How you been lady?


I wished we lived some place that had more to do than watch New Mexico blow by.

[VelmaD]

4. hey hey

Things here are ok I suppose. Had my annual job appraisal day before yesterday...I'm getting a raise. W00t!

How you been?

[texas1928]

5. Well Congrats

Just been working and fighting with a new supervisor who does not understand what my department does. Other than that, not much. Just work and then home.

[Bridget Burke]

6. The Original Carrabba's is on Kirby Drive in Houston....

That's Damien Mandola & Johnny Carrabba. Their family has been doing restaurants in Houston for some time now.

www.carrabbas.com/index.asp

I had no idea that Carrabba's has become such a big chain. The original is still pretty good. How are the others?

[Richardo]

7. There's one in the Galleria area called 'Piatto's'

Fried Asparagus w/crab meat Appetizer = :9

Excellent!

[VelmaD]

8. I don't normally go to Carrabba's here in Austin...

so I can't really comment on them. But this place Damien just opened, "Mandola's" is fabulous.