A Day in the Life of a Marino & The Dough Masterclass
It always starts with the sound of gravel under tyres or a gate swinging open. Luke pulls up just as the light settles in, arms full of crates, hands already smelling faintly of flour. The day’s energy is quiet but purposeful. This isn’t just a pizza night. It’s a proper masterclass, and it’s all happening in someone’s home.
From the moment we step through the door, it’s go time. There’s no need to dig through your kitchen drawers or hope your oven gets hot enough. We bring everything with us. Professional grade pizza oven. Scales. Proofing boxes. Pizza peels. Every tool has its place. Every ingredient is chosen with care.
This is the part most people don’t see. The prep behind the scenes. Dough balls have been resting for hours already. Tomatoes are crushed, but not overworked. Mozzarella is cut fresh. Basil is washed gently. It's not about tricks or shortcuts. It's about respect for the process.
While Luke sets up, the house starts to shift. There’s a buzz in the air now. People arrive, friends greet each other, music gets turned up just a little. Someone cracks open a drink. The bench is dusted with flour.
Getting Hands-On with the Dough
The first real moment of surprise usually comes when people touch the dough. It’s softer than they expect. Alive. Luke talks through it like it’s an airy cloud. How it’s been resting, what the gluten’s doing, why it feels the way it does. People lean in. Some are shy. Others dive in elbows deep. Within minutes, the group finds its rhythm.
We talk hydration, shaping, stretching, and technique in a way that’s easy to follow. No one’s left behind. This part is more than just learning. It’s grounding. It’s calming. There’s something special about getting your hands into dough and making it your own. And when someone lifts their first properly shaped round with a proud grin, you know the moment has landed.
Fire, Heat and Timing
Outside, the ovens are roaring. Flames licking the dome. The smell hits you first. Smoke, dough, bubbling cheese. It’s something you don’t forget. These ovens get up to 450 degrees. This is proper pizza making.
One by one, pizzas go in. Topped with San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di Latte or buffalo mozzarella. Maybe a bit of hot sopressa or mushrooms from the market. We guide you on when to turn it, when to pull it, and how to spot those leopard spots that tell you you’ve nailed it.
Every bake is its own little celebration.
The Sit Down: Pizza, People and a Table Full of Stories
Then comes the part that brings it all together. Everyone sits down, plates their own pizza, pours another drink. There’s always someone waving a slice and saying, “Try this one.” Someone else is already planning their next pizza night. Phones come out. Photos are snapped. There’s flour on someone’s cheek and no one points it out because it suits the mood.
The meal isn’t just about the food anymore. It’s about what everyone made together. A bunch of mates, family, or colleagues who just shaped dough, shared ovens, and created something from scratch. This is what we love most. Watching pizza bring people together in such a natural way.
The Italian Aussie Mix
Think of it like a little bit of Naples with the relaxed feel of the Gold Coast. Italian tradition meets Australian ease. You don’t need a restaurant kitchen or a chef’s uniform. All you need is an open space, some curious hands, and a few people you like spending time with.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about connection.
At the end of the night, Luke packs down quietly while people linger. There’s always a few questions being asked. People are glowing, not just from the ovens but from doing something that feels real. There’s often a hug or a quick photo at the end. Sometimes someone gets a little teary and says it reminded them of Nonna.
That’s the kind of night we want to create.
Thinking of Hosting One?
If you’re planning a private cooking class on the Gold Coast and want something that’s both delicious and meaningful, this might be just the thing. Our group pizza classes are great for birthdays, hens’ nights, team building or just a good excuse to get your people together. We bring everything to you, right down to the fire.
Let’s turn your next gathering into a proper pizza party.
Book your pizza masterclass today and let’s make some dough together.