Celebrity British chef Jamie Oliver opens restaurant in Johannesburg

Originally published on Brand South Africa

 

Famed British chef Jamie Oliver has made another addition to his Jamie’s Italian restaurant chain. The newest branch, in Johannesburg, opened to diners in December.

The words that come to mind when walking into Jamie’s Italian restaurant in Melrose Arch are homely yet vibrant and bustling. It’s no wonder, really, because it is lunch time at the newly opened establishment in Johannesburg.

The spacious setting can seat up to 300 people, but it is easy to feel at home with the warm, earthy tones of the décor, the wooden tables, the rustic chandeliers in the private dining area, and the assortment of pictures hanging on the walls.

Jack de Wet, head of design and development for the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group in the UK, has drawn influence from South Africa’s heritage for the design. Originally from the Western Cape, De Wet has a post-graduate degree in architecture from the University of Cape Town.

LOCATION:

Jamie’s Italian Melrose ArchShop 00513, Building 13
High Street
Melrose Arch,2076, JohannesburgSouth Africa

OPENING TIMES:

Monday – Sunday11:30am–11:00pm

“South Africa has an abundance of material to work with,” he says. “The centre of it all, Joburg, is known as the city of gold with a nod to the industrialisation of the gold mining industry.

“We have used these elements in the materials, patterns and detailing of the design, without it being too obvious. This can be seen in the intricate metalwork balustrade and screen details.”

Leanne van Wyk, the marketing manager, says the Jamie’s Italian restaurants all over the world incorporate regional touches into their design. “By drawing inspiration from indigenous prints, national colours and key industries, Jamie’s Italian aims to become part of the culture and vibe of South Africa but also contribute to it,” she says.

The opening, the menu and the ethos

Its doors officially opened on 15 December 2016 after months of hype and anticipation, Van Wyk says.

“The opening was an incredible moment for staff and guests alike, with the brand being warmly received by locals (as is our culture as a nation, to be welcoming) and this is something which continues to this day.”

In keeping with Oliver’s well-known cooking style, only the freshest ingredients are bought and used in the restaurant, and fresh pasta is made daily on the premises.

There are three daily specials in addition to the standard menu, and this where head chef Shane Smit is able to incorporate a South African flare into the meals.

So far, the most popular dish is the prawn linguine. Van Wyk describes it as one of the hero dishes across the brand.

Local suppliers are also used and staff members went through an intensive training programme, says Van Wyk.

The menu is rustic and family orientated, containing items such as breads, pastas, pizza and a variety of Italian desserts. The children’s menu is innovatively packaged into a view-finder, complete with 3D images. Even adults cannot resist picking it up and flipping through the options.

Why South Africa?

South Africans, Van Wyk says, have shown a significant interest in local and international cuisine and have a bigger interest in Italian cuisine. This spurred Oliver to open up a branch of his chain in Johannesburg.

“South Africa is blessed with authentic foods and tastes, a fantastic climate, amazing people and a sense of untouched beauty,” she says. “All this is attractive and appealing to the Jamie brand, which contributes to our message of love, passion and verve for food, family and life itself.”

To embrace the vibe and culture of the country, Melrose Arch was chosen as the location. “As Joburg is fast-paced, vibrant and on trend, what better place than Melrose Arch to establish our first Jamie’s Italian restaurant in South Africa?”

Embracing diversity

Given South Africa’s diversity, Jamie’s Italian has an ethos to be inclusive and accessible to all. Van Wyk says the restaurant tries to accommodate all dietary requirements.

“[We] strive to make them feel at home through fresh, wholesome cooking and attentive service,” she says.

And that is achieved with genuine warmth. After all, that is the South African way.

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