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Oliver's army set to roll into NZ
Date: 20 Feb 2012
Celebrity Jamie Oliver is bringing his Jamie's Italian restaurants to New Zealand, with a scout looking for sites large enough to seat 200 diners in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown.
Rustic food, seasonal ingredients, freshly made pasta and a selection of antipasto are promised in a style of dining described as high-volume and affordable.
"The Jamie's Italian menu is driven by what you'd find ordinary people eating over in Italy.
"Rustic, simple dishes, the best ingredients we could find both locally and in Italy – and seasonal too – made with care but delivered without lots of fuss," is how the Jamie's Italian website describes the experience.
Steak, and burgers are on the menu next to Osso Bucco Milanese (veal), South Coast Fritto Misto (fried fish) and "Jamie's favourite" Truffled Turkey Milanese – turkey stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto, topped with a fried egg and shaved truffles.
Wine is served in 500ml pichets as well as by the glass and bottle, so diners can mix and match and change wines between courses easily.
The restaurants will be operated by Oliver's Australasian licensee Pacific Restaurant Group, which opened the first Jamie's Italian Down Under in Sydney in October.
Director Wes Lambert said Oliver was keen to include New Zealand in the licence because he has a big following here for his books, TV shows and website.
"Jamie loves New Zealand," he said.
More at www.stuff.co.nz.
