TAFE NSW students brought the exotic gardens of Sardinia to the Northern Beaches last week when they cooked alongside Giovanni Pilu at a lavish event, Mangia e Vivi.

The event, delivered by cookery, hospitality and events students, saw guests enjoy a three course gala dinner, matched with quality Sardinian wines and accompanied by live entertainment on Thursday 7 November, with all proceeds from the event being donated to the Black Dog Institute.

Poppy Berridge is studying a Diploma of Event Management at TAFE NSW Northern Beaches and said the inspiration for the event came from Giovanni Pilu’s Italian background with the class wanting to create an atmosphere that reflected the beauty of Sardinia.

“It has been an amazing experience using the practical skills I’ve learnt during my course to put this event together. We started working on Mangia e Vivi back in June and it was wonderful to see it all come together on the night.

“I’m so proud of the event that we created and the night wouldn’t have been a success without the help of the commercial cookery and hospitality students.” said Ms Berridge.

Curated by Giovanni Pilu, the event’s menu consisted of mouthwatering, Sardinian classics that were prepared by TAFE NSW commercial cookery students under his guidance.

Second year commercial cookery apprentice, Spencer Abbott said working on the event was a wonderful experience that gave himself and his classmates an insight into what is required when catering for a large event.

 “It was really great to have such an experienced chef with multiple restaurants and 20 years in the industry under his belt come in and impart such skills to us.

“I’m very thankful that our teachers have industry connections that give us the opportunity to learn from such incredible chefs and prepare us for the workforce.” said Mr Abbott.

Giovanni Pilu started his career as a commercial cookery apprentice at TAFE NSW Northern Beaches when he first moved to Australia and said he would not be where he is today if it wasn’t for his time at TAFE NSW.

“I originally came to TAFE NSW to learn English, before enrolling in the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. Throughout my time studying my teachers were so supportive and really helped me make my way into the industry.

“Coming back to TAFE NSW to do events like this, with such talented students is an absolute pleasure.” said Mr Pilu.

With over 25,000 employer connections, TAFE NSW helps students to land their dream job. To find out more about the courses on offer at TAFE NSW Northern Beaches visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Emma Cawley, TAFE NSW Media Officer, emma.cawley1@tafensw.edu.au or 0412 478 415