I have been to Jamie’s Italian in London, Sydney and The Forum Shopping Mall in Singapore but had not stepped into the branch at Vivocity.
The view and sunlight streaming in to the restaurant is not evident from the outside. Feeling like I was sitting outdoors when I was actually in a cool, air conditioned space I just loved the ambience of this restaurant.
Jamie’s Italian Vivocity has so much to offer! From daily set lunches to afternoon aperitivo & small plates plus daily specials, there is something for everyone, any time of day.
I was there to taste the weekend roast special which changes every week and is available from Friday evening through to Sunday night at both the Jamie's Italian VivoCity outlet and Jamie's Italian Forum outlet on Orchard also. This week roast pork was on the radar.
Served on a plank the presentation was very impressive. Preceding the plank though the waiter arrived with four unopened cans of tomato! Looking quizzically at the waiter, I was informed that this was to act as support for the plank. And to make space on the table too. Ah that made sense!
For $88++ the pork plank consisted of so many things. Ham and cheese croquettes made from pancetta, prosciutto, parmesan and spinach served with home-made mayonnaise that had an almost smoky flavour.
As I was asked to choose a small pasta I decided on Jamie’s famous prawn linguine. Stepping into the shoes of patrons who might be gluten intolerant I decided to try the gluten-free pasta. Made of rice flour I could not taste the difference with normal pasta. Way to go! I was going to have this the next time I was at Jamie’s Italian again.
One might say that a pasta is a pasta anywhere you go. Wrong! This one had a stunning sauce. Blanched to perfection the penne was al-dente and the sauce had to have some secret ingredient. I guess this is why I would frequent Jamie’s Italian again, just to have a good pasta that hit the spot. You have to try it to believe it.
Telling myself to stop eating the carbo dish and keep space for the meat that was staring me in the face, I couldn’t resist and had to have another mouthful.
It was now time to try the grilled apple and mustard marinated pork belly and Kurobuta pork sausages. Imported from Australia the meat tasted so delicious with just the right amount of fat on it. The portion was huge! I would say enough for three people perhaps with an added side.
I had some of the Italian greens – broccolini today, that was left crunchy and fresh. Tossed with olives and a touch of chilli it was the perfect accompaniment to the pork plank.
The swirl of two huge sausages presented on a skewer that ran through each of them, also had a hint of chilli and herbs. Served with marinated red and yellow tomatoes that were dressed with red wine vinegar, shallots and a touch of sugar, this tangy taste complemented the pork dishes well.
All of this sat on a sauce of chipotle aioli which was the concoction of Head Chef Ashley of Jamie’s Italian Vivocity. The orange colour came from a touch of paprika that blended well with the chipotle peppers and house mayonnaise.
From a quick glance at the menu, I would venture down to Jamie’s Italian to take advantage of their set lunch on weekdays. For $27.95++ you could have a choice of starter and main meal. Add a further $5.95 for dessert and coffee or tea. Considering the portions that would be more than plenty to fill you for the day.
Between lunch and dinner daily, from 3 – 7pm cocktails and small plates are on offer for only $10 each. A real steal if you need a filler before dinner. What I like is that Jamie has thought of the needs of diners.
He has even created a special for diners who spend more than $90 in a single receipt. A 50 percent discount off all merchandise including Jamie’s cookbooks and embossed mugs. This could be a valuable gift for a birthday especially to someone who loves cooking. I know I’d be chuffed if I was presented with a Jamie cookbook!
Having done the savoury part of the meal I ordered a chocolate lava cake served with a large scoop of salted caramel ice cream. Devilish but simply delicious, I did not feel an ounce of remorse as I relished every mouthful.
I have to say my favourite part of today’s experience was the plank. A combo of so many starters Jamie’s Italian boasts an Ultimate Plank, a Vegetarian Plank and a Cured Meats plank. When you see the fare on each plank you will realise the value in each. Priced between $36.95 and $43.95 it is something I would recommend you try if it is your first time at Jamie’s Italian.
To me while the menu looks like a typical Italian restaurant, with pizza, pasta, starters, mains and desserts, the food quality far surpassed that of most restaurants.
It is no wonder that Jamie Oliver has made a name for himself worldwide. He has a secret touch that I can’t put my finger on and walking out of Jamie’s Italian Vivocity, I felt satiated with a lingering knowing that I would be back!
