Charles Kirkwood  – Wine and Beverage Director

Charles Kirkwood has been an avid student of wine, beer and spirits for 16 years. He graduated from The Culinary Institute of America and attended Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, and has worked in various capacities within the wine industry throughout the country – from developing an acute interest in fine and rare wine at Vinfolio in San Francisco, to retailing collector wine and buying for a multi-million dollar wine program in Houston, Texas, and compiling among the most respected collections of rare German, Austrian and Burgundy of any retailer in Seattle, Washington at the time. Charles brings his extensive background and keen interest of fine wine to bare as Wine and Beverage Director of Mandolin, where he has compiled a rotating list of regional specific wine, beer and spirits to accompany Mandolin’s farm-to-table cuisine.

Elizabeth Fisher  – Guest Relations Manager

Elizabeth Fisher has more than 10 years experience in the hospitality industry and has held in-house positions with top local and national brands including the Ritz Carlton, Vietri, Fearrington Village, and The Carolina Inn. Lizzy brings her eye for style and 5 star service expertise to Mandolin and is excited to welcome guests to share in an unmatched dining experience that still has all of the comforts of home. Lizzy is also Chef Sean Fowler's soon-to-be-bride with plans to wed next Summer 2012.

Nick Brust – Pastry Chef

Nick Brust, a Raleigh native, began his culinary career at age 14, working in a local pizza shop.  After graduating high school early to cook in Michelin Star rated restaurant Roussillon in London, he returned to the states to attend culinary school.  Since then, he has worked multiple summers at Lure, a seaside resort on Martha’s Vineyard and, more recently Washington, DC, where he held pastry chef positions under James Beard Award winning chefs at restaurants Vidalia and Restaurant Eve.  At 24 years old, Nick has proven much in a short time, and now he has returned to Raleigh to share his talents at Mandolin.