Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WHAT: Uncorked...at Mandola Estate
WHERE: Mandola Estate Winery and Trattoria Lisina, Driftwood, TX
WHO: The Austin Symphony Orchestra
DATE: Monday, September 10, 2007, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
CONTACT: Don Hill, Dir. of Public Relations - (512) 476-6064

WINERY/RESTAURANT TO HOST AUSTIN SYMPHONY BENEFIT

Mandola Estate Winery and Trattoria Lisina in Driftwood, TX will be the sight of Uncorked...at Mandola Estate, a fundraiser benefiting the Austin Symphony Orchestra on Monday, September 10, 2007.

Damian & Trina Mandola, along with partners Drs. Stan & Lisa Duchman, bring decades of culinary and wine experience to this latest venture in Driftwood, TX. Known for his numerous restaurants: Damian's Cucina Italiana, Mandola's Italian Market, and the nationwide empire of Carrabba's Italian Grill (with nephew Johnny Carrabba), Damian has kindly donated the venue for this year's gala. Event Chair Mary Padgett, Assistant Chair Grace Bonner and the Special Events Committee of the Austin Symphony appreciate Damian's generous offer to host this fundraising gala to benefit the programs of the Austin Symphony, and have been excited about planning for this unique event in this exquisite location, a slice of southern Italy in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. "Special events such as these," adds Padgett, "raise much needed funds to enable the Austin Symphony to reach over 250,000 Central Texans each year."

"This year's event celebrates our Taste of Tuscany in the Texas Hill Country," states Lynn Zeller, Hospitality Director of Mandola Estate Winery and Trattoria Lisina. "We are very excited to have Chef John Lichtenberger and Winemaker, Mark Penna on our team," says Mandola, "and they will both demonstrate how their passion for food and wine can draw a crowd." The evening begins with wine tasting and antipasto in the Winery followed by a movable feast into Trattoria Lisina.

This special event includes a cooking demonstration by Damian Mandola, drawings for door prizes and an exhibition and sale of works by well-known artist Daryl Howard, a local resident with studios in the Driftwood area. Ms. Howard has also offered an original wood block print for raffle, as well as donating 20% of the purchases of her work that evening to the ASO.

Tickets for this event are $75 per person. Seating is limited, so call for reservations early. For more information or reservations, contact Grace Bonner, (512) 451-4334 or the Austin Symphony, (512) 476-6064.