Browse: Bullring editor, Emma, and I took on a trip to Bullring’s newest restaurant, Jamie’s Italian.
Having not been into a Jamie’s Italian before, I wasn’t sure what to expect but on entering the spacious restaurant we were warmly greeted by the host who very kindly asked us where in the restaurant we would like to sit – facing the kitchen, the antipasti counter or opposite the fine view of the Church.  We opted to take our seats in front of St Martin’s Church, giving us a gorgeous view of a beautifully old building back dropped by that of the iconic Selfridges’ architecture.
A waiter greeted us and introduced himself.  Darren presented us with large menus, showing us what a vast array of choice there was and informed us of that day’s specials.  The Slow Roasted Free Range Porchetta appealed to Emma, especially after we were told it had been cooked for 12 hours over night and was mouth-wateringly delicious.  There was also fish on the special’s board that day, which had been caught only 12 hours earlier! No denying this was a fresh menu.
Emma had clearly made her choice so i scoured the menu whilst Darren brought over a diet coke for Emma (in a bottle of course) and a ice cold jug of tap water for me.

To start Emma decided to try out the Top Italian Bread Selection (£3.25) consisting of Focaccia, two types of Sourdough, Ciabatta, Bread Sticks and Music Bread (flat crispy bread).  I on the other hand opted for Baked Chestnut Mushrooms with Crispy Music Bread and Smoked Buffalo Mozzarella (£4.95). Clearly a winning combination.

As we took in our surroundings, the restaurant was busy and bustling with chefs on the counter opposite preparing the bread and the ham, with fresh vegetables and legs of meat hanging above them, smartly dressed waiters catering to customer’s needs with a smile and the joy and laughter of people enjoying a Tuesday lunchtime meal.  We could see that several of the diners had chosen antipasti platters, which were positioned on their tables on a slate slab balanced on two rustic tins of tomatoes – a lovely touch!  A great shopper’s snack too.

Our starter’s arrived, we laid the napkins on our laps (lovely branded Jamie’s mini tea towels!) and we tucked in.  Emma to her variety of freshly baked bread, and olive oil splashed with 8 year old Balsamic Vinegar and myself into my rustic terracotta dish of baked mushrooms and mozzarella.  Delicious.
A good temperature, and just the right amount as an appertiser for my main.

Once we had finished, our attentive waiter Darren cleared away the plates, ensured we were happy and allowed us to soak up the atmosphere of the restaurant whilst we waited for out main courses. The music at the restaurant enhanced the pleasant atmosphere and the mix of rustic and modern accessories and furniture in the restaurant gave everything a modern twist in an authentic Italian way.

The main courses arrived in good time, with not long to wait at all but long enough to know these meals were fresh.
Emma’s Porchetta was placed down in front of her along with her Crispy Skin Roasted Potatoes and Fresh Watercress Salad (£10.95).  This was beautifully tender, and the potatoes were cooked to perfection.  The salad of Watercress also helped to tie in the dish, along with the red wine jus.
My dish arrived also, a dish of Rabbit Ragu Pappardelle with Mascarpone, Lemon and Crunchy Herb Breadcrumbs (£6.95). I also ordered a side salad of Rocket and Radicchio Salad (£3.05). This, combined with the sauce, tasted just perfect.  I have never had Rabbit before so I decided to brave it and I’m very glad I did.  The meat wasn’t overpowering at all, with small delicate pieces being the ideal accompaniment to the pasta and salad.   It was quite a light healthy (minus the mascarpone!) option for a lunchtime meal.

To be honest we did leave a little on our plates, but if we could have fit it in we would have eaten it all!  Darren cleared away our plates and added the desert menus to our tables.  Unfortunately we were defeated.  Next time we’ll sample the deserts but if the starters and mains are anything to go by, we are sure they’ll be delicious.

We left the restaurant and waved goodbye to the friendly staff, and we will be sure to go back again.

Even better we now have a competition in the Rewards section for your chance to win a £100 voucher to spend at Jamie’s Italian!