Excuse my management consultant side, but thankfully Jamie
Oliver put more thought into forming a well-linked relationship when entering
the Canadian market. Partnering with King Street Food Co., owners of Toronto’s
Buca restaurants, my recent lunch at Jamie’s Italian in Yorkdale was
unequivocally better than Edinburgh (consequently, still holds Gastro World’s
lowest rating to date).
Why you ask? Firstly, we were seated at a table once
(a small feat that stumped the hostess in Edinburgh) and our server was
friendly and welcoming (albeit needs to trim down the specials spiel to under 1.5
minutes). Already off to a good start. Then when the food isn’t the size of
Happy Meals and actually tastes good, my hesitation for returning to the chain
subsided.
Sure the pre-split arancini
($8.50) was a little strange, but it did remind us that these risotto balls
were stuffed with molten mozzarella and to proceed with caution. The crispy
rice nuggets were hot and crispy, the creamy risotto inside not overly seasoned
so the spicy arrabbiata marinara
allowed to shine.
Although the polenta chips ($6.95) are marketed as a “side”,
they also make for a great starter and nibbling on. The nuggets of silky
polenta arrive with a crackling crust and topped with tons of rosemary and
parmigiano reggiano. It’s salty and hot, just one more piece.
Remembering that Jamie’s pasta was good (just the accompany
fingernail sized clams a dismal disappointment), I opted for their famous prawn linguine ($19.95 for
main-sized portion). I can see why this is one of their top selling dishes: the
fair-sized prawns cooked nicely, the pasta slightly al dante and the garlicky
tomato sauce thinned out with fish broth and fennel to keep it from becoming too
acidic. Hiding in the background is a bit of spice to give it warmth but not overpower.
Jamie’s Italian seats over 200 hundred diners, but can still
get fairly busy, so make reservations. It’s a rustic heavenly smelling space,
with a charcuterie bar complete with hanging cured meats (we couldn’t tell if
they were real or fake), which backs onto a large bar leading into their patio.
It’s a large restaurant, yet the various areas keeps it comfortable and cozy.
Mr. Oliver, you have started to redeem your reputation after
the horrendous Edinburgh dinner. Bold flavours with simple fresh ingredients,
that’s what I expected the first time.
How To Find Them
Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 3401 Dufferin Street (at Yorkdale Mall)
Address: 3401 Dufferin Street (at Yorkdale Mall)
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Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
Is That It? I Want More!
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