MIACC students visit McDonald's in Paço de Arcos, Campo de Ourique Market and Artisani Factory

On February 27, a group of students from the Master's in Innovation in Culinary Arts and Sciences (MIACC), accompanied by chef Nelson Félix, went on a study visit to three locations that are representative of the food industry: the McDonald's in Paço de Arcos, the Campo de Ourique Market and the Artisani factory.
 
The first stop was at the McDonald's in Paço de Arcos, one of the newest in the area. The visit was led by manager Fábio Bergano, who showed the students all the restaurant areas, including the dry, fresh, and frozen food storage areas, the offices, and the production area. During the visit, the students had the opportunity to understand the restaurant's inner workings and the operation's logistics. The most interactive moment was the opportunity to prepare and taste their hamburgers, allowing them a practical and engaging experience.
 
The second stop was at the Campo de Ourique Market, where the students explored the concept of this space, which combines the tradition of neighborhood markets with a diverse and contemporary gastronomic offer. The visit allowed them to analyze consumer trends and the interaction between producers and customers, in addition to serving as a lunch break.
 
To conclude the study visit, the group went to the Artisani factory, where they were welcomed by one of the partners, Luísa Lacerda. During this visit, the students were able to closely observe the artisanal ice cream production processes, from the selection of natural ingredients to the preparation of the products in small batches. In addition, they had the opportunity to taste freshly produced ice cream, consolidating their practical experience of artisanal production.
 
This study visit provided MIACC students with direct contact with different approaches to the food industry, from the operation of a fast food chain to artisanal production, contributing to their academic and professional training.