Feature Jamie Oliver opens Leeds restaurant
The ubiquitous campaigning chef finally gives Loiners a taste of his brand
Feature: Jamie Oliver opens Leeds restaurant
After many rumours and failed plans for a northern invasion, Jamie Oliver finally opened a restaurant in Leeds on Monday.
Last year, a proposal to extend Jamie’s Fifteen restaurant chain, which trains young wannabe chefs, fell through because it couldn’t acquire the financial backing to branch out up here while the recession was at its worst. It was supposed to be finding a home at The Dark Arches at Holbeck Urban Village.
Jamie has instead brought us his other restaurant franchise, Jamie’s Italian, this time choosing to occupy Park Row. There are already nine Jamie’s Italians in the country, but all except the Cardiff branch are based in the south of England. However, following the Leeds launch, Liverpool will also get its own J.I., based in the popular Liverpool One shopping centre, as will Glasgow.
The menu certainly looks authentic enough, with your inevitable spaghetti bologneses, carbonaras and steaks. The prices aren’t to be sniffed at either-£3.10-£6.65 for starters; £10.25-£16.95 for mains. What gives the fare the edge you would expect from a top chef are the added twists, such as truffle oil on the chips (“proper posh!” as the menu kindly points out), stuffed veal in the meats section, and the pear and prosciutto pairing in the salad options.
The fact that you can also buy Jamie merchandise is a bit of a killer in his supposed attempt to be ‘local’. £10 tea towels, £12 napkins and a £7 carrier bag don’t really gel with the ethos the TV chef is attempting to promote-“good food for everyone, no matter what….no matter how rich or poor they might be”. Hmm. Is he hoping that the reasonable menu prices will mean we’re more willing to purchase an £8 Jamie mug on the way out? Probably best if you just let the food speak for itself, Jamie.
Jamie’s Italian opened on Park Row on 10th May.
Posted on Wednesday 12th May 2010
Rebecca Ryder
Jamie's Italian
35 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5JL
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