Meet Our Chefs
Tony Sansalone, Executive Pastry Chef
Born in Italy, trained in Florida and Texan by choice, Chef Tony Sansalone takes The Driskill's longtime tradition of producing exquisite pastries and desserts to new culinary summits. Named "Austin's Premier Pastry Chef" by the Austin American-Statesman, Chef Sansalone brings his award-winning credentials and talents to the hotel's nationally-recognized 1886 Café & Bakery.
Baking his first cookies in the family kitchen in Italy, he received formal training at the American Culinary Federation in Palm Beach, FL. Chef Sansalone then spent the next five years working at several of the most prestigious resorts in South Florida before launching his career with Four Seasons Resorts. His career led him to Austin, where he quickly attracted a devoted following as pastry chef for the Four Seasons Austin Hotel. The gracious and talented chef is a fixture in the Austin community, having participated in countless culinary and fundraising events. He has also been featured on the Food Network's "Top 5 Summer Sensations" program.
Chef Sansalone joined The Driskill's culinary team in late 2007, just in time for the hotel's busy holiday season and to bake hundreds of cakes, pies and cookies in addition to his custom wedding cakes that truly qualify as personalized works of art. The distinctive dessert traditions of the Driskill combined with Chef Sansalone's innovative artistry make for a legendary duo.
Grant Irvin, Chef de Cuisine
1886 Chef Grant Irvin has a particularly deep understanding of the history of The Driskill and Austin as a destination. Fully committed to providing guests with the most authentic dining experience possible, Irvin has devoted his career to The Driskill, starting in banquets and moving to 1886 Cafe & Bakery as the lead culinary talent.
