Monday 20 April 2015

Jamie Oliver's Norwich Review!

Let me start this by saying... what is my life? I feel so privileged that I get to work with so many amazing companies. So the lovely lady Verena from the London PR team contacted me about reviewing Jamie's Norwich. Of course I said yes, who wouldn't want to? I've said before that It's so important to me to support local companies to me especially, whether they're independent stores or chains.

Isn't this necklace beautiful? It's from a local company Lisa Angel, I'll be doing posts with them soon! (You may have already seen one if you're a frequent reader!)


Upon arrival we were greeted with the lovely staff who definitely put me at ease. My boyfriend was telling me not to be silly and get nervous, but I've never done something like this before... and I guess I was worried that they may have pre-conceptions of what I would be like... how old I would be... I don't even know. I was nervous. Our lovely waitress Jo, was so helpful throughout the meal and very friendly. She also told me about her passion for photography and showed interest in my blog, which was really refreshing and definitely relaxed me because I knew she got me.

- side note : They're missing a trick there... Photographer who has a blog... Hopefully Jamie's will use the potential of all their staff and incorporate talent in more than one way. :) 

Let's start with the setting shall we?
Jamie Oliver's Norwich is in the arcade which is a very picturesque area in Norwich situated close to the castle. It is definitely a lovely tucked away restaurant, which discrepancy speaks louder than more commercial chains. It gives the store a more personal touch in my eyes and I also feel the stores decor on the outside of the building was very in fitting with the arcade.



FOOD!

To start me and Ash had the 'Nachos'. Oh boy. If you go to Jamie's in any area of the UK, you NEED to try these. They're like fried ravioli with parmesan and chilli. I can't even describe to you how nice they are. They're the perfect 'pre starter' if you're feeling naughty, they'd also be really nice lunch as part of a lunch with a few other sides/starters.


For starters seeing as neither me or my boyfriend eat meat, we went for the vegetable plank. Now there was a little bit of confusion here when we got two large cans of tomatoes placed on the table... Me and Ash were having a giggle about it and wondering whether we were supposed to eat them out of the can (don't even ask), he dared me to but of course I didn't... It did make sense though when they were used as a stand for the vegetable plank. Very innovative, but we did have a good laugh about why on earth they were placed on our table! Haha. Out of all of the course I had I would say this was my least favourite as I personally wasn't a big fan of the kale slaw (probably because I'm not a major mayo lover...). The other elements of the plank were all lovely, I guess It just didn't have the wow factor for me... even though it was very nice!






I decided for mains to go for 'vegetable rotolo al forgo' and Asher went for 'squid & mussel spaghetti nero'. My main course was absolutely beautiful. I've never had pumpkin in a meal and I was a bit dubious, but with the spinach and ricotta It was gorgeous. I also really loved the fact that they added the breadcrumbs on a spoon, I thought it gave the dish a more rustic feel and It definitely added to the texture of the dish! I have to say in general I was blown away with the vast amount of flavour that Jamie's injected into this dish, I loved it and I would definitely go back just for this main; It was that good! I was very sceptical of Asher's black squid ink spaghetti if I'm honest! He said it was lovely and that it was all flavoured well. However he did say momentarily that he would have liked a little bit more sauce/fish in the dish to even out the spaghetti ratio. Nevertheless he loved the meal and we both finished with empty plates, much to Jo's relief!




By the time it came to desserts... I wasn't entirely sure whether I should get one or not due to being in food bliss from my main. We both looked at the menu and were slightly surprised not to see Tiramisu  , which is notably both mine and Ash's favourite desert. However I ended up going for the 'Epic Chocolate Brownie' which I seriously struggled to finish (I did leave some sob... I tried!) and Ash went for the ice-cream 'Salted Caramel, Butter Scotch, Coffee with Honey Comb and Butterscotch sauce.' You should have seen his face when he tucked into the coffee Ice cream, It was an absolute picture!



Drinks? Yes they have them covered too!
Ash had 3... YES 3, of Jamie's Liberta beer. He loved the fact that they had their own craft brewed larger. He also asked about their other beers and discovered that they use the wolf brewery which is a local company which he has tried before and really enjoyed.
I went for a glass of pinot grigio blush, which is my go to wine! And then I decided to have a cheeky peach bellini which I had never had before and really loved. Since then I saw Jamie post the recipe on his instagram, click here. 




For afters Asher decided to go for their 12 year matured Italian brandy, where as I went for a amaretto which Jo said 'It will be like amaretto you have never tried before', she had a point.




Overall the experience at Jamie Oliver's Norwich was amazing. I also noticed on a table next to us that a party had a special Happy Birthday desert which I thought was such a thoughtful nice touch that more restaurants should embrace! I really can't criticise the food at Jamie's, it's beautiful. As a vegetarian, all of the options I would have happily eaten (which is rare). There was also the right level of service, we didn't feel rushed or ignored.

Jamie Oliver Website 
Jamie Oliver Menu 

Hope you enjoyed this post, I know it's a little different!

Lots of love, 






P.s He was never one for taking photos...




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17 comments

  1. i refreshed my page at 7 because i was so excited to see this blog post!!!! The food looks so yummy - your food pictures always make me so hungry and the description of the food sounds amazing too! Glad you had a lovely night! I love the picture at the end too :)

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  2. I'm jealous - I wish there was a Jamie's near us!

    lucy | luceellen xxx

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    1. Ahh! If you ever get the opportunity to go you definitely should. :) xxx

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  3. I love Jamie Oliver and what a great opportunity to review one of his place! The food look so good especially the spaghetti. And yea, don't blame you for feeling a little weird out about the cans of tomatoes, I would too. LOL!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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    1. Haha! I was so confused... made sense in the end though :)
      xx

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  4. i just ate dinner but this made me hungry! i love Jamie's and this was a great review :)

    i just posted a 'blogger problems' post
    Georgia x | Georgia Nicolaou Blog

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  5. I used to love Jamies, but then the changed their menu and it just wasn't the same for me. And to be honest there still isn't much on there I would eat, but this does look lovely!

    Annabel ♥
    Mascara & Maltesers

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    1. It's not for everyone! I was very skeptical as to whether I'd like it being a vegetarian! What put you off? x

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    2. Hey, don't be put off, our menu is really seasonal and the summer menu won't disappoint. Jo

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  6. Ah I have never been to one before, but I'd love to go it sounds so lovely xx

    Gemma | Miss Makeup Magpie

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  7. You look beautiful! The food looks so good mhmm :) xx

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  8. As a waitress it is always refreshing to serve such lovely guests as yourselves. I'm glad you had a good time. Thank you for the glowing review. We hope to see you again soon for some naughty nachos. Look out for our new summer menu next couple of weeks, great, bang in season, choices for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Jo (your waitress)

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    1. I've just seen this, thank you so much! Hope you're well xx

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