Rustic atmosphere
Jamies Italian decor is a nod to classic and contemporary design, with touches of home comforts that make you feel like you’re partially in a semi-fine dining restaurant, yet at home in his kitchen cooking up something delicious with an open kitchen, so you can watch all your desires being created. It’s chill, comfortable and rustic – which is my kind of restaurant! You get the vibe that Jamie Oliver was trying to capture the beauty of Italian cooking with the casual nature of not being extraordinarily fancy, nor expensive. We arrived just before the set menu finished, and wanted to try out some of the dishes he personally recommends, although we looked at the larger menu with delight, because over the 40 minutes we spent choosing, whilst awaiting Paddy to arrive we never found a conclusive answer, which almost resulted in flipping a coin onto the menu, as it sounded perfect.
Eventually I vouched for Fritto Misto; a crispy fried fish & squid dish tossed in fennel-spiced flour with garlic & lemon aioli – I could have eaten many more plates of it. Whilst Paddy went for Italian Nachos; a fried four-cheese ravioli with arrabbiata sauce. Whilst soaking in the atmosphere I took great joy in checking out their drinks menu, a variety of cocktails, plenty of mocktails for the drivers and none drinkers of the nation as well as an exceptional variety of wines. I was tipped that the Morellino Di Scansano is meant to be the favourite for a great rustic warm red wine.
For main courses we jumped head first into our pasta dishes. I desired Carbonara, something I don’t usually lure towards away from my dads perfect recipe, but I thought why not, the creamy sauce was delicious, like casual Italian cooking – not too much, but just right! Whilst nibbling on the “worlds greatest olives” green olives, sun-dried tomato tapenade & crispy music bread – a perfect accompaniment to a classic Italian dish, bursting with flavour. Whilst my Mum opted for Meatball Mighty Papparadelle;Free-range spicy pork meatballs in a garlicky tomato sauce with marjoram & pecorino, with a side of sweet potato fries – not so Italian, but damn they were good. Finally Paddy going back to the set menu chose the Tagliatelle Bolognese; Rich pork & beef ragù with red wine & Parmesan.
One aspect I really respect about Jamie’s Italian is the fresh pasta they make every day, it’s silky and full of taste, so major kudos to the chefs for making delicious pastas.
A menu that keeps on giving
Finishing on epic brownies
Now I wish I was inclined to not stuff my face on sides, appetisers and mains – as it’s frequently known I never ever get to the end and able to tolerate a dessert. However my Mum being the sweet tooth of the group gladly picked out the Epic Chocolate Brownie; Rich chocolate sauce, salted caramel popcorn gelato & caramelised popcorn. I stole a spoon of course, and needed to try some, even if only a little bite which made me regret all my previous actions and save myself. But the overall verdict from her was a series of “mmms” – so surely that’s excellent and epic brownie making? Thus a successful dining out after a wonderful day of shopping and treats!
