FOOD | ARTS | COMMUNITY | STYLE + LEISURE
DOMINIC B . MANDOLA RAGIN ’ CAJUN RESTAURANTS
If there is one thing DOMINIC MANDOLA is an expert on , it ’ s the restaurant business . The Houston-native and son of LUKE B . MANDOLA SR ., original owner of Ragin ’ Cajun , has been around the restaurant world his entire life , holding nearly every position in the business . From bus boy to chef and now president , Dominic has grown up with Ragin ’ Cajun and customer service in his blood .
In 2000 , the married father of four took over daily operations and set out on a path to expand the business across the Houston area . In his first two years , Dominic opened locations at Woodlake Square on Westheimer and in the Downtown tunnels to wild success . In 2004 , he expanded to the suburbs of Sugar Land and extended “ The Original ” Ragin ’ Cajun with the L . A . Bar , in 2012 .
How ’ d you learn to cook ? Growing up , my mom always served up delicious home-cooked meals .
What ’ s the first recipe you ever mastered ? Mom ’ s spaghetti and homemade meatballs served with a homemade red gravy .
What ingredient can you not live without in the kitchen and why ? Cayenne pepper – brings a kick to many dishes , not too much , but just enough .
What utensil can you not live without ? Must have a sharp 10 ” CHEF ’ S KNIFE ! Favorite affordable wine ? Alanera by Zenato , any of the Red Blends .
Favorite place for dessert ? Crave Cupcakes – Red Velvet and Meche ’ s Donut King – King Cake with Bavarian Crème .
Is there a food you won ’ t eat ? Black olives . What is your comfort food ? Fried shrimp po-boy .
What do you see as the next food trend ? Gourmet convenience with natural / healthy ingredients in fast casual restaurants .
At home , what do you keep on hand to serve drop-in guests ? Fine cheeses with crackers and hummus with pita chips with a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce .
What would people be surprised to find in your home refrigerator ? Links of boudin . What would be your last meal ? Bellaire Broiler Burger makes my day !
Photography by Max Burkhalter
march 17 | LOCAL 27