Bloomberg, 4 July
Richard Vines is impressed with Jamie’s Italian
It's hard to miss Jamie Oliver's eatery in Oxford. Just look for the crowd. About 70 people were there before the doors opened at midday last Saturday. Customers arriving later faced a 45-minute wait. The good news is that it's worth it. This eatery, an hour from London, is a winner for food, ambience and service. Jamie's Italian, which opened on June 2, is the first of a planned chain in college towns, with the next in Bath and the one after in the London suburb of Kingston at the end of the year. The British chef, famed for his campaign to improve school meals, says he wants to serve high-quality, affordable Italian food.
Jamie’s Italian – Bloomberg review in full >>
Evening Standard, 9 July
Fay Maschler finds a “French farce” at Ambassade de L'Ile
Jean-Christophe Ansanay-Alex was once personal chef to Christina Onassis. I'm not sure why I'm giving you this titbit hot off the press release other than, if true, it is arguably more interesting than the fact that he is a chef with two Michelin stars in provincial France. His home restaurant is L'Auberge de l'Ile, situated on Ile Barbe in the Saône river which flows through Lyon.
Ambassade de L'Ile – Evening Standard review in full >>
Metro, 9 July
Marina O’Loughlin visits Alan Yau’s Cha Cha Moon
Every so often, a restaurant comes along that polarises reviewers. Here's another one: since its opening a couple of months ago, Cha Cha Moon has attracted both slavering adoration and spluttering vitriol. Despite critical opprobrium and a recent fire, which briefly shut the place down, it remains a smash hit; it's currently unbookable, so unless you go off-peak, chances are you'll have a long wait for a seat at one of the long, communal tables.
Cha Cha Moon – Metro review in full >>
Time Out, 10 July
Susan Low finds tremendous value for money at Launceston Place
In autumn 2007, Launceston Place was acquired by D&D London (formerly called Conran Restaurants). Since then, what used to be a dowager aunt of a restaurant has undergone a full facelift and refurb over several months, shedding its former dowdiness for a sultry, chic elegance. The wainscoted walls are still there, now painted in tones of doe-brown and caramel. There’s the occasional bright flash of fuchsia pink vases over the ornate fireplaces, and spidery modern chandeliers bringing the look up to date.
Launceston Place – Time Out review in full >>