Mietta O'Donnell Curriculum Vitae

Granddaughter of Mario and Teresa Vigano, who migrated from Milano in 1928 to start the legendary Mario's in Melbourne.

Matriculated Sacré Coeur. Started cadetship in journalism with the Herald & Weekly Times which was combined with an Arts Degree at Melbourne University studying languages (French, Italian); political science; English Literature. Won an Australia wide essay competition (Australia in South East Asia), prize was a trip to Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. On return added Indonesian studies to degree. Left the H&W Times to study full-time. Started stringing for The Australian and did other free lance journalistic work. Went to Italy and France to continue language study. Worked cooking in Italy and in Greece. Travelled across North Africa, Turkey and U.S.S.R. Returned to Australia, worked in a variety of journalistic jobs, spent most time catering for parties. Worked for the Hon. Ralph Willis MHR, Treasurer of Australia, as electoral cum press secretary

1974
started Mietta's in North Fitzroy with Tony Knox and Jules Lavarack.

1978
bought the Queenscliff Hotel with sisters Robin and Patricia and partner Tony Knox. Mietta's Queenscliff Hotel is now run solely by Patricia O'Donnell.

1984
moved Mietta's from North Fitzroy to 7 Alfred Pl Melbourne

1995
made a Living Legend by the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

1996
closed Mietta's Alfred Place. Given special Green Room Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Performing Arts in Melbourne. Published Mietta & Friends, a small book celebrating a series of dinners (Mietta's Culinary Coming of Age) in 1995 with 15 of Australia's best chefs including recipes. Travelled extensively in Europe. With Tony Knox started the Mietta's world wide web site (.au)

1997
started a weekly column on the hospitality industry for the Herald Sun. Invited to Hong Kong as the Australian Judge for the Hong Kong Food Festival. Travelled to China and Vietnam. Mounted an exhibition of photos by Tony Knox for the Asian Food Festival in Melbourne, September. On judging panel for The Melbourne Prize. Invited to Adelaide in October to speak at a Forum on Cucina Italiana chaired by Don Dunstan. This forum was part of the Inaugural Australian Food and Wine Writers Festival.

1998
appointed as 1998 Melbourne Brand Ambassador for Food and Wine by the Melbourne Convention and Marketing Bureau. Continuing column for Herald Sun. On judging panel conducted by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects for The Melbourne Prize. Journalistic work for Tourism Tasmania and for Northern Territory Tourism. Published Mietta's Eating and Drinking in Melbourne

1999
published Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Melbourne 2000. Presented two papers at the Michelin Food & Wine Writers Festival as part of Tasting Australia in Adelaide.
Great Australian Chefs published December 1999

2000 March
published Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Australia 2000

October 2000
Mietta's Italian Family Recipes published

November 2000
published Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Australia 2001