Dinner at Jamie Oliver’s original Fifteen restaurant was the beginning of a graduation trip with my nephew Cody. Our main reason for the trip was so we could visit my father (Cody’s grandfather) in Bridge of Weir, near Glasgow, Scotland. But before our family reunion, I wanted Cody to get a wee taste of London, so I arranged a few days in one of MY favorite cities in the world.
Planning the trip was so exciting, because it meant Cody and I got to spend some quality time together. If you have teenagers in your life then you probably know how busy they can be with after-school jobs, friends and girlfriends. This trip was a gift for Cody getting good grades, but it was also a really special gift for me. My husband Peter decided to stay home so it would just be “Cody and Aunt Jo’s Great British Adventure”, and it was. Thanks again Peter!
Before I even booked our flights, I started emailing and calling Jamie Oliver’s “Fifteen” restaurant in London. I wanted to make sure we could get a reservation during our brief stop in England. Cody and I are both big fans of Jamie Oliver, and it was Cody who, as a little kid, first introduced me to the “Naked Chef”. A celebratory dinner at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant sounded like the perfect first night in England.
We arrived in London on June 21st and after checking into our hotel, hopped on the Tube and easily made our 7pm dinner reservation. Fifteen’s tasting menu was fantastic, and it was an excellent start to our British food adventure.
Our dinner at Fifteen Restaurant, London
A little Jet-lagged but excited to be at the restaurant!
The Fifteen Tasting Menu
Peroni Beer (in the UK, you can drink at 18!) and Carpaccio of Buccleuch Beef (hung for 28 days) with minted marinated asparagus, oregano from Jamie’s garden, wild rocket and pecorino.
Scallop crudo, pomegranate, coriander, deep-fried ginger and yuzu
Papardelle “fatte in casa” with a Scotch beef ragu, freshly grated horseradish
Char-grilled line-caught wild salmon with peperonata, beet leaves and basil pesto
Pan-roasted shoulder of pork from Pete Gott’s farm (cooked in milk, sage and Amalfi lemon) with turnips and rainbow chard from Thurrocks Farm
Vanilla Panna Cotta with English Strawberries and Biscotti
Lemon Tart with Roast Apricots and Lime Creme Fraiche
A fantastic “Fifteen” dinner experience!
Dining date: June 21, 2007 (7pm reservation)
Fifteen Restaurant, London England
More about Fifteen restaurants
Fifteen London Address:
15 Westland Place, London, N1 7LP
Tel: (UK) 020 7251 1515
Nearest Tube Station: Old Street
my last bite... 