Mietta O'Donnell facts for kids

Mietta O'Donnell (born January 6, 1950, died January 4, 2001) was a famous Australian chef and writer about food. She lived in Melbourne. Later in her life, she was known as Australia's top food writer and critic. Mietta was also a big supporter of art and music. A special song competition is even named after her.

About Mietta O'Donnell

Mietta O'Donnell's grandparents, Teresa and Mario Vigano, came from Milan, Italy, in 1928. They opened a restaurant called 'Mario's' in Exhibition Street, Melbourne. They ran this restaurant for over 30 years.

Her Restaurant Journey

In June 1974, Mietta O'Donnell opened her own restaurant called 'Mietta's'. She started it with her partner, Tony Knox. Their first restaurant was in Brunswick Street in North Fitzroy. In 1985, 'Mietta's' moved to Alfred Place in central Melbourne. The restaurant stayed open until 1995.

In February 1992, two musicians, Jex Saarelaht and Kate Ceberano, performed at 'Mietta's'. They recorded their performance. Later, they released an album called Open the Door - Live at Mietta's.

Mietta O'Donnell passed away in a car accident in Tasmania. She was traveling to speak at a food and wine event. Over 1,000 people attended her funeral. These people came from the worlds of art, politics, and food.

A Special Music Award

'Mietta's' restaurant was also a place where artists and musicians gathered. In 1995, Mietta O'Donnell helped start an annual song competition. She worked with her partner Tony Knox, Len Vorster, Michael Easton, and Lauris Elms. She managed the competition herself. In 1996, it was called the City of Melbourne Song Recital Award.

After Mietta's death in 2001, the competition was brought back in 2003. It was then named the Mietta Song Recital Award. Since 2004, this competition has been held every two years. It is now known as the Mietta Song Competition.