Jamie’s Italian
By Prakriti Bhat
When a celebrated name like Jamie Oliver is associated to a brand, we expect something different, something unique. And Jamie’s Italian does just that. It welcomes you to the world of Italian cuisine which goes beyond Pizzas and the usual Penne pasta. Some might find it a bit “too Italian”, but single cuisine restaurants are catching up fast in today’s times and this is one such place which serves an authentic Italian fare without being corrupted by Indian flavours. It really is ‘authentic’ in the true sense of the word. Unlike Jamie’s Pizzeria, none of the dishes are influenced by Indian cuisine.
The place stands among stalwarts like Kylin and faces stiff competition but I am pretty sure it’s going to make a place for itself. The ambience is quite impressive with colourful chandeliers and well-lit interiors. Small blackboards display the daily specials and Jamie’s cookbooks are up for sale. With a seating capacity of almost 100 people, it is more spacious than the Pizzeria. Right at the entrance is a pasta station where you can watch the chefs at work, preparing fresh pasta. A large bar counter churns a bevy of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages with impeccable presentation. Cans of Pomodoro sauce were used to set up a wooden blank on which the dishes were placed. I was quite fascinated with this innovative arrangement.
Superfood Salad was a healthy start to the meal with avocadoes and beets. The crunchy veggies bore testimony to the freshness of the ingredients. Grilled Chicken Puttanesca was simply grilled chicken cooked in tomato and chilli sauce. Though it was well cooked and succulent, it failed to make a mark. Rigatoni Pomodorro came as a pleasant surprise. I am not a big fan of tangy red sauce pastas but this one had me asking for more. Perhaps the mascarpone and mozzarella balanced the tangy flavor making it truly delicious. And the best part was the crunchy herby breadcrumbs which were not just used to garnish but actually mixed with the sauce and permeated into every inch of the dish. Every bite was a crunchy and scrumptious ride.
The next dish to arrive was Tagliatelle Bolognese. The meat based Bolognese is, without any doubt, one of the most famous sauces for pastas. I was greatly amused by the pasta which was ribbon shaped like fettuccine but frilled at the edges. The meat and pasta, both were well cooked. Both, the Rigatoni and Tagliatelle were al dente, meaning that the pasta was firm to bite. The Honeycomb Cannelloni trio had three varieties of fillings- spinach and ricotta, pumpkin, and mashed aubergine. For dessert, we were presented with a classic, Christmas pudding with brandy sauce and vanilla ice cream which was a part of their daily special menu. This totally got us into a christmasy mood!
Jamie’s Italian will not disappoint you with its Cocktails and Mocktails. Each drink is presented with finesse and complements your meal. Rossini Spritz came in a champagne flute with a slice of strawberry on the rim while the Rosemary and Lychee Sophia was served in a cocktail glass with a sprig of fresh rosemary. As mentioned before, the presentation was flawless.
This place works well for family get-togethers as well as a hangout spot for the young. The USP of Jamie’s Italian is its authentic Italian flavours and seafood. This place cannot be missed!
Address- 3rd floor, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj
Cost for two- Rs. 1500
Contact No.- 01133107718
