Italian chef makes headlines for saying 'no' to pineapple on pizza

An Italian chef who refused to make pineapple pizza at a Brisbane, Australia, restaurant has made headlines over the ordeal. From People Magazine to ABC News and BBC.com, the story has traveled across international waters.

The chef was fired after a series of workplace disagreements, according to ABC News and other outlets, prompting an unfair dismissal claim that was ultimately rejected by Australia's Fair Work Commission.

Davide Tamburella, formerly a chef at La Costa in Fortitude Valley, argued that putting pineapple on pizza was an "insult to his culture" and that he should not have to follow management's instructions when they conflicted with his Italian heritage. According to the commission's ruling, it was the third time in four years that Tamburella had refused to prepare the topping for customers.

The incident occurred in May when a customer celebrating a birthday requested ham and pineapple pizzas. The customer was spending $15,000 on his birthday celebration at the restaurant, according to a report at The Guardian.

The restaurant's owner, Elliott Ingram said in news reports that the restaurant considered it a reasonable request, noting Hawaiian pizza is a popular choice in Australia.

Tamburella subsequently challenged his dismissal, but the Fair Work Commission rejected his application saying he filed it more than 21 days after his termination and did not demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting an extension. The restaurant has since closed.