Diners get a taste of Jamie Oliver in new SA eatery
Food was just as we’ve seen it in books and shows
FANS of Britain’s celebrity chef Jamie Oliver can now try out his “naked cuisine” at the Melrose Arch precinct in Johannesburg‚ at a franchise eatery bearing his name.
The restaurant has had a soft launch with guests dining there since the start of the month‚ but with it officially taking bookings from today.
The EatOut guide prices the food on offer at between R90 to R120 for an average main meal and lists its ambience as comfy, casual and contemporary cool.
Food lovers who have eaten there are positive‚ so far.
Dan Parker rated Jamie’s Italian South Africa as five-star‚ posting on Facebook: “Absolutely divine dining experience.”
Nicholas Scott said: “What a great experience. Service was great. Food was just as we’ve seen it in books and shows.”
Marcel Malherbe posted: “What a great evening at the soft opening of this establishment.
“Coming in with a great reputation‚ this restaurant delivered. It was an experience, thanks to the wonderful attentive managers and staff.”
Another rave review came from Lauren van den Bergh‚ who said: “Such a phenomenal evening. The food‚ wine‚ friendly staff‚ attentive managers‚ company and atmosphere . . . felt like a little part of Italy again.”
Kevin Barrie Levy’s review stated: “Passion oozes from every single person working at this phenomenal restaurant – service is impeccable!”
Chef Shane Smit’s brother even piled in‚ with an encouragement to diners.
Dale Smit came clean about his family connection‚ posting: “As Shane’s brother‚ I can assure you that this WILL be the best restaurant you will ever visit.
“The amount of effort‚ love and passion that he’s putting into this is astounding. Just GO! See for yourself and thank me later.”
Shane Smit spent a year working at the first Jamie’s Italian restaurant in Oxford‚ which opened in 2008‚ learning about Italian cooking from Jamie and his team.
It was the time he spent overseas that made him realise that the South African food industry is up there with best.
“The South African palate loves big flavours‚ yet still appreciates the food being fresh‚ healthy and ethically farmed‚” he said.
“I believe that South African chefs are truly talented and passionate about the industry and‚ together with amazing produce and gorgeous settings‚ South Africa can really be proud of what the food industry produces.”
Smit said he hoped the restaurant would live up to Oliver’s developmental ethos. – TMG Digital