Things worked out great for us to have a fun luncheon with our just turned ten year old granddaughter. As her school was out this week Sher and I could take her out to lunch. This has become somewhat of a tradition with her when we visit family in Austin.
Our daughter-in-law recommended that we dine at Mandola’s Italian Kitchen. There are several locations of this Texas original chain. We picked one reasonably close. Our granddaughter had been there before, and approved of this choice for lunch.
Not only is the food menu extensive, but in addition you’ll find wonderful desert counters and a well filled wine bar. You order your meal at the counter, pay there and get your order number sign. Drinks and tableware are self serve with plenty of take home containers also available. Once seated you are immediately served a traditional basket of fresh bread with olive oil sprinkled with spices for dipping.
Our meals were brought to our table in a very short time. The presentation was good and portion sizes were quite impressive. Our Granddaughter ordered the chicken fingers and fries. She got three huge “fingers” plus a stack of fries. There was enough there for an adult meal.
Sher thoroughly enjoyed her Italian salad overflowing the bowl with greens, fresh mozzarella, green & black olives, and tons of other delectable veggies. I really liked the Gnocchi with meat sauce. (Little Italian dumplings with a tomato sauce of beef, pork , garlic and veggies).
While the meal was very good and filling, what made this lunch special was the fact that we could share it with our granddaughter. Time with family is so precious. When family is far away it makes time intervals between visits seem way to long! The pandemic sure messed up our travel plans, and hopefully we’ll be able to spend more time with our scattered out kids and grandkids even more in the upcoming months.
The food looks so delicious!
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Indeed it was very good and filling. 😉
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How wonderful to be able to spend time with loved ones. Safe travels and loads of fun.
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Thanks! We are relishing our time with them…
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I agree, time spent with grandchildren is very precious, so nice your granddaughter comes to lunch with you.
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We have really been enjoying our time with our Austin family! Thank you, Alison.
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🙂
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It looks like a fun place, Who picked it?
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Our daughter-in-law put it on the suggestion list, and our granddaughter actually made the decision.
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Good for them. You made out on their good taste.
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True enough. Seems like the kids and grandkids always know what is best for Mamaw and Papaw.
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Pingback: A fun luncheon with our granddaughter – Roadtirement | Ups Downs Family History
TYVM
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What a treat! Not only time with your granddaughter but great food too!
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Yes, best of both worlds. 😉
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Excellent
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Thanks Derrick, it was an excellent time.
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Just something so special about grandbabies.
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Absolutely true, JC. Thanks!
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I ate there with Brandon and one of his friends during my visit to Austin to attend the US/Jamaica soccer game in October. The joint was pretty good.
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WE enjoyed it, can see why it would fit the soccer motif as well!
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How wonderful!
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Thanks. We certainly had a great time.
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Looks like a great place! I will have to try gnocci in tomato and meat sauce. My husband likes it pan fried with butter and mushrooms but I am not that fond of it like that. We both enjoy it in beef stew instead of potatoes, but I am always looking for new ideas when it comes to cooking.
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This recipe was really tasty. There is more sauce detail in the description on the website, if you’re interested.
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Thank you!
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I hear you! Our son lives in England and we have not seen him for 2 years. But we are hoping he can come to us for Christmas.
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Sure hope that he can make it to be with you for Christmas! Thanks for stopping by.
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Lovely
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