Jamie's Italian
Author: Mārtiņš Rītiņš0 COMMENTS
Like a whirlwind, Jamie's Italian has rushed across the Great Britain! One after another, 13 Jamie's Italian restaurants have opened their doors so far, all of them very popular. Equally beloved is their chef - Jamie Oliver, a somewhat unusual millionaire and a philanthropist. He is also known for his cook-books, food-focused TV shows, and an active campaigning for healthy school lunches in the UK and the USA. He has also opened Fifteen - a unique restaurant, which offers apprenticeship to 15 youngsters, quite often from less well-to-do families, giving a chance to learn the trade right in the restaurant.
Jamie's Italian restaurants boast typical Italian coziness, but their greatest value is the truly fantastic service! Sincerely welcoming and friendly staff demonstrates exceptional communication skills, up to the point that you almost feel the urge of inviting a waiter to join you at the table. While the order is taken and you discuss choices on the menu, drinks, ordered just seconds ago, are already served. Clearly, it's thanks to electronic order pads that waiters use, yet it's still very pleasant.
Typically, Jamie's Italian restaurants are quite big (up to 120 seats), and therefore no pre-booking is required. You just have to get there, take a beeper (something like an already extinct pager technology), and off you go for a short walk. Jamie's Italian Covent Garden, which I had a pleasure to visit, serves nicely as a stop in between cultural sites, or before/after a concert or an opera performance at the nearby Opera House.
The entire offer on Jamie's Italian menu is prepared from perfectly fresh products, yet most certainly you should start with typical Italian appetizers and a selection of naturally fermented bread. Smoked sausages, salami, assortment of cheeses, olives, chili pepper and salads are served on a wooden board - and that's only a beginning of a marvelous meal. The fresh, slightly salted pilchards with olive oil are just „wow!", and the crispy fried squid, served with original Jamie's Italian mayonnaise, is so delicious! Polenta corn chips with sea salt and rosemary, Parmesan cheese, and an amazing choice of homemade pasta, grilled food and steaks - angus, lamb, and fish in parchment paper... A truly Italian meal - a delight to both the eyes and the taste buds.
09/2010