Year 11 Food Technology Excursion

On Thursday, 16th May, the Year 11 Food Technology students participated in a valuable and enriching excursion to Mario’s Pizza Bar in Leichhardt. The visit provided students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the hospitality industry through real-world observation and hands-on experience.

The group departed at the beginning of recess and returned midway through lunch, allowing for approximately two hours of educational and experiential learning. Upon arrival, students were warmly welcomed by the owner and head chef, Chef Michelle, who guided them through several aspects of professional food service. Most students then stretched their own dough for pizza and added the toppings before putting their pizzas in the rotating pizza oven at 460 degrees Celsius.

The visit began with an introduction to front-of-house service, including the correct etiquette for serving wine, champagne, and appetizers. Students then received a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen, where Chef Michelle shared insights into Italian culinary techniques and the importance of maintaining food safety and hygiene standards in a commercial kitchen environment. Commercial refrigeration techniques to extend the shelf life of food was also discussed. We had the opportunity to talk to Chef Michele about pizza food trends in Australia.

After the informative sessions, students were seated in the outdoor dining area to enjoy the atmosphere and sample the cuisine. The dishes prepared by Chef Michelle were of an exceptional standard, and the service was both welcoming and professional. The experience was not only educational but also highly enjoyable for all involved.

This excursion provided students with a practical perspective that complemented their classroom learning, reinforcing key concepts from the Food Technology curriculum in an engaging, real-world setting.

We extend our sincere thanks to all staff involved in the planning and approval of this excursion. The students in the Food Technology class are looking forward to more immersive excursions soon. We would like to acknowledge and thank Ms Meissner for her support and supervision on the day.

Sarah Nguyen

Year 11 Food Technology Student