If you're a regular reader you'll know that I'm a big fan of Jamie Oliver. Despite him receiving the cold shoulder on his recent stint to reform school lunches in Los Angeles, the popular mover and shaker in the international fresh and healthy food movement makes cooking a home cooked dinner look pretty darn cool to all generations, both sides of the pond.
And so I was quite keen to pop into one of the new'ish (and rapdily expanding) Jamie's Italian restaurants in the UK. The perfect opportunity arose while in Liverpool this June, wandering around the stylishly revamped commercial Liverpool One center with the boys and my Mum and Dad.
Something for everyone, I'd thought and there was room for a table of six without a reservation in the bustling city center area.
Though the surroundings were immaculate and appealing (except, maybe a tad Disney'ish upstairs with a partially authentic and semi-fake charcuterie along the back wall) and the wait staff both on the ball and polite, we found the pricing pretty steep for a chain eatery and portions (except for the highly peculiar, though tasty 'Italian' burger captured above) rather puny.
Now, pointing fingers to portion size from an American perspective might raise an eyebrow or two, but when we're talking fresh, seasonal greens, Jamie's Italian servings would never have made it into one of his photo shoots. It was hard to tell exactly what the seasonal greens were, other than a few sauteed shredded stalks.
Pastas were good, but with a true Italian Nonna in the country, a plate of authentic, home made ravioli at 60 London Road knocks the socks of Jamie's version.
Jamie's Italian's staking a claim in upscale dining here in the UK, but having talked to several friends and family who've stepped in for a taste of his take on reproducing originals in various hot spots around the country, as a dining experience, Jamie's Italian leaves the passionate foodie (and his wallet) a bit flat.
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