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| Jamie's Italian, Oxford |
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“George Street is the perfect location for what we intend will be a regular pit stop for anyone who enjoys brilliant, simple, rustic Italian food and a relaxed environment.” Jamie Oliver.
Side-stepping a queue is something which either fulfills or embarrasses. But when it’s a queue which has seemed impenetrable for almost two years, the embarrassment levels soar!
But what the heck, we were in and, Wow!, what a place. No wonder they’re queuing around the block. And all around us, people were enjoying themselves….heartily. To one side there was a group of eight women, maybe celebrating, who knows, but boy were they having a good time. And to our right, a young family, having fun with their toddler. That epitomizes Jamie’s Italian – a place for everyone, no doubt in line with the most traditional of Italian family restaurants.
We tucked in to the “World’s Best Olives On Ice”, together with Jamie’s special black olive tapenade and music bread. We were sorely tempted by the ‘Double Grape and Cucumber Martini’, but maybe another time.
I had been primed to order the ‘Seasonal Meat Antipasti Plank’ to start, and together with Abi and Tina, we took two. Resting on an industrial tin of plum tomatoes, the plank consisted of a selection of cured meats, cheeses, pickles and Italian coleslaw. Two planks between three were ample, but this is a big starter which ticks all of the boxes. Eddie got stuck in to the Italian Nachos which were seen off without fuss.
Despite her tender years, Abi is a sucker for steak, and Jamie’s ‘Flash Steak’ proved too tempting for our nine year old to resist. Wafer thin prime British beef steak, pounded with sage and prosciutto, looked a steak too far. But she conquered it and relished every mouthful. “That was delicious!” She muttered as she slumped back in her chair, no doubt seeking respite before dessert.
Eddie chose the Spaghetti Bolognese, I went for the ‘Fish In A Bag’, and Tina had the Pig’s Cheeks from the specials board. My main was superb – fresh sea bass fillet which was as close as you will get to eating ‘fish pillows’, just so tasty and incredibly presented. Tina had fun with the kids asking them to guess what she had ordered – neither could guess and Ed had at least three goes tasting Tina’s main.
We had to share desserts as three courses at lunchtime is always quite an ask, but we managed a Creamy Pannacotta – well, I did on my own! – a delicious fruit sorbet and an Italian seasonal Bakewell Tart.
Ten out of ten – I’m surprised the queue is that short!
Reviewed by Richard Rosser
Photography by David Loftus |
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