Eating is something I take great pleasure in. Whether I’m cooking, testing a new restaurant or enjoying an old standard it’s the exploration of flavors, smells and the environment that fill me with deep happiness. Last night, the rents and I found our way to Trattoria Lisina in Driftwood, Texas. Driftwood is situated in the Texas Hill Country just outside of Austin and close to my parents’ home in Buda. Famous chef Damian Mandola built Trattoria Lisina and the neighboring Mandola Winery from the ground up. This is his baby and it shows. Trattoria Lisina’s setting alone would have even the most anxious nut relax in to the landscape. Upon entering the front gate we were greeted by a family of deer to the left and beautiful rows of young grape vines to the right. The restaurant is surrounded by gardens filled with native Texas plants and flowers. You can buy a bottle of wine (or two) and relax in the gardens while you wait to be seated. It’s packed every night with folks who n