Jamie Italian's Review

I rarely if ever watch cooking shows, in fact I have really only watched My Kitchen Rules (MKR) and that's because my television (when opened) is always on Channel 7. That being said, that doesn't necessarily mean I'm oblivious to the world of celebrity chefs, the last and only time I went to one helmed by a chef as famous as their food was at Colin Fassnidge's 4fourteen and I absolutely loved it (cannot wait to go again, in fact I'm secretly planning another trip). 

So when it came to recommendations for a university society's handover dinner, I couldn't help but sneak in the suggestion of Jamie's Italian-one it has been on my to go list for quite some time and two, Italian is a crowd pleaser which practically everyone can appreciate. It goes without saying that it is practically obligatory that pasta should be on your bill especially when their pasta is made fresh in house everyday and upon entry your visit welcomed with baskets of pasta lining the wall.

Tip: Jamie's Italian gets incredibly busy and despite dining on a Wednesday, the placed was packed. Don't be the guy who suggests a place only to find out that it will take forever to get a table and book ahead of time.

Polenta Chips- crispy fried with rosemary and parmesan $8.50

The menu said they were famous and rightly so. Polenta is no fad my friends, it is seductively delicious and with or without the rosemary and parmesan, these babies should be famous enough on their own- think silky soft centre paired with an echoing crunch, I call that music to my ears. 

ITALIAN BREAD SELECTION $1.50 

Homemade rosemary focaccia, Italian grissini, crispy music bread and ciabatta from the bakery. All served with Rylstone extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic

OMG 

HOLY MOLY

$1.50 BREAD SELECTION, MOVE OVER ANY DOUBTS I HAD REGARDING A NO-GLUTEN REGIME BECAUSE I ASHAMEDLY LOVE BREAD (for now that is). Had I known these pick me ups were so cheap, I'd be inclined to vouch for a bread selection per person that way everyone didn't have to grudgingly share- I couldn't have been the only glutton on the table right? Anyhow this is the perfect way to start the meal as you wait for the mains to arrive.

Greens which look incredibly out of focus here (apologies)

Steamed Seasonal Greens with lemon, butter and a pinch of Maldon sea salt $7.50

Black Angel Spaghetti- Squid ink pasta, scallops, chilli, anchovies, wine & capers $25

I have long wanted to try Angel hair pasta and after having squid ink noodles at Est, I was dying to relive that experience but at preferably a fraction of the cost. Maybe Est. ruined my taste buds, I guess going to a hatted restaurant and eating something for the first time can do that to you because I didn't seem to get this 'pop' or burst of flavours from the squid ink. Notwithstanding that, it was lovely as is because what is there not to love about pasta and scallops!

Also, not bad for $25, if you're after a light meal all the pastas can be ordered as entrees instead. 

Tagliatelle Bolognese- Ragu of beef, pork, herbs, Chianti and Parmesan with crunchy, herby breadcrumbs $19.50

This was by far the dinner table favourite which about half of us ordering this, and I just happened to be fortunate to have friends that are willing to share their food with me (in the name of science I say....). After having this, perhaps this may be cliche but my taste buds have been yet again ruined. I've had pasta at cafes/restaurants twice since eating here and nothing compares. The flavours simply melted in your mouth and it was truly a marriage in heaven. Needless to say, I was secretly jealous of everyone that ordered this.

Dessert time!

Creamy Panna Cotta- Lovely wobbly panna cotta served with a compote of seasonal fruits $8.50

Tutti Frutti Lemon Meringue Pie- with limoncello & crunchy pistachio brittle $10.50

Well isn't she a sight to behold, the crazy levels of meringue here remind me of the insane servings that you get at Pie Tin- my old photos don't do them justice but think of their dessert pie named 'The Pie that ate Newtown' and this pie here should be its distant cousin. I think I have a secret liking towards meringue, on the one hand there's the health conscious me who baulks at idea of eating baked egg white and sugar but then there's the sugar tooth me who loves that pillowy, marshmallowy taste. This meringue was spot on and can we all just take a moment to gasp at how well priced all of these desserts and mains are. I think the stars are all aligning for another visit to Jamie's Italian before I go on holidays to China- the land of censorship.

Chocolate Espresso Tart- warm chocolate & espresso tart, served with orange zest and mint tips along with mascarpone cream $10

My dessert and I think I picked well, but that may be questionable in the face of all the great options to choose from. First of all, I'm not a fan of mascarpone cream, I try to avoid it when I bake as well as when I order dessert but the combination of chocolate and espresso in a tart meant that mascarpone was just a backstory. Upon arrival, I couldn't help but gush at the orange zest, it may not be the most technically difficult thing but it is still visually stunning. The chocolate and espresso tart was everything I imagine it to be; a bitter heaven delight which is apt since I like to call myself Bitter. 

Epic Brownie- warm fudge brownie with amaretto ice-cream & caramelised amaretti popcorn $10

I know we shouldn't judge a book by its cover but surely this must taste as good as it looks. Sadly, I cannot confirm this as my friend ordered this but since he had no complaints I'm going to assume that it is death by chocolate in the form of fudge and brownies.