Remember this post where I ate at Jamie Oliver’s Italian in Oxford? Well, thought it was time to visit another one (on expenses again) whilst I was away on one of my tours down to Brighton. The last time I was there I had chinese buffet – which was the simplest thing really as we were really tired and just wanted something in our tummies and be on our way.

On a blustery Monday night, things were fairly quiet; none of the crazy queues that we saw in Oxford branch. Which was really suprising, as we were told they were only able to fit us in at 6.30pm (we were aiming for 7pm you see). So some of us got seated at 6.30 whilst waiting for me to arrive at 7. We did not even ordered till 7.30pm, so what was the harm in seating us at 7pm instead? Especially in an empty restaurant! That was kind of offputting and annoying. I do hate places where they just want to tweak your timings slightly – just because they can.

Interior-wise it was lovely – nicer than then one in Oxford. Translucent pink chandeliers set off the dark woodsy interior – and coming down the stairs you were treated to a live televised view of the kitchen which was projected on the wall facing the stairs. Olive oils and wines line the wall, making for a very impressive rendition of a modern italian eatery. I was with loads of people from work,thus the lack of pictures in case they think me freaky! I did not order any starters, although I was very, very tempted. Sat at the girls end of the table, they were just all on a perpetual diet. However, I was pleased that I waited for my main course instead of having a starter – it would have completely ruined it!

They call this Fish in a Bag. Yes, I did order it just because it was called fish in a bag. Slightly dissapointing that it did not come in an actual bag (I was expecting zip lock bag and all) – instead it was a seafood parcel, wrapped in waxed paper and tinfoil. Inside were some clams, mussels, a side of seabass and some sliced baby potatoes, all topped by fennel, capers and a lemon slice and then baked. The juices were absolutely lovely..very light with a touch of white wine and the lemon to bring out the zing in it. None of the mains comes with any sides, so I had a side of rocket and radicchio salad with parmesan cheese. The portion was HUGE – it was more of a main meal than a side salad, but not a problem there as I absolutely love rocket. The simple balsamic dressing was very very lovely – again, light, tasty and easy on the palate. If there was one complaint it would be that there were too much grated parmesan on the salad (my fault for not asking it on the side) – it kinda took the shine away from the light dressing.It might just be me, as I am currently trying to watch my cheese intake carefully.

I polished it off very satisfactorily. A braver person would go for some of the funky chips – there were that good that one of us had it as a starter as well as a side . It took me ages to decide if I wanted a dessert. None of the girls would have any….we were talking about weightwatchers points throughout dinner, which was slightly offputting….and there was me, stuffing my face. So whilst they chose coffees, I chose a variation of coffee – tiramisu . I had this last time, and it was so good I had to have it again! I was definately thinking of bacon when I ordered it – he absolutely loved it when we had it in the Oxford branch.

I love how it is so well-soaked with delish espresso, with a generous grating of orange zest. Sigh….heavenly.The side of mascarpone was a little too much for me, so I left it whilst I polished off about 80% of the tiramisu. I already feel bad enough stuffing my face without the female species eyeing me speculatively whilst I polish off a gazillion pointed dessert! Strangely enough someone else pinched the mascarpone and just ate it as-is. Hmm.

All in all, very satisfactory. I didn’t go for the pasta this time around, but those that had absolutely loved it. Would I have the same items again? Sure. Jamie did not dissapoint again. And AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO LEEDS BRANCH OPENING IN APRIL!!!

Jamie Oliver’s Italian
Brighton Branch (with branches all over the southern part of the country )
11 Black Lion Street,
Brighton BN1 1ND
01273 915 480

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