Jamie Oliver got a new restaurant - Barbecoa. For those of you who haven't been there, its over at one new change by St. Paul's Cathedral. I recently went there with a friend, and I have to be honest, I have mixed opinions.
I went midweek for dinner, and there were several suits there sitting alongside me. They were probably from the offices nearby. It seems Jamie and Adam Perry managed to capture the share of the market they were after. But, professional critics didn't seem to like the place much. As we approach its one year anniversary, perhaps the chefs should sit down and take a look at the reviews.
Let's be honest, Jamie Oliver does have a name in the industry, hence the restaurant's popularity. But don't you think that this is completely opposite to the Jamie Oliver we know and love? I just think that the atmosphere at the restaurant is so 'premium' that it would send shivers down Jamie's spine if he ever sat in it. If I had strolled over in my jeans and t shirt, I would've definitely felt underdressed. Great view of St. Pauls, but the red velvet wrapped designer furniture, shiny brass, and double high ceilings were a tad bit intimidating. I got a great seat near the windows, but had to order a bottle of wine to not look out of place. Totally dug the whole 'taste the wine before I picked it' act. Although, I was ignored for 10 minutes after that, and had to wildly hail someone for attention.
But it's not all that bad. The meat came dripping in mouth watering juices, with a background track booming with primal energy, and the bread came impaled on a wooden board rather than the usual basket. After all this, anyone would appreciate the money they put into the place - the epitome of commercial success. But despite this, it was slightly artificial and awkward. For all the idealists out there, this is what soulless, money spinning commercialism looks like.
I understand the feelings people have regarding spending the money they earn slaving away at desks all day, and the need to wear formal clothing which grants them mysterious powers to influence the waiters serving them. Its an old stereotype that aids the snobbery of eating out, even though the concept has become far more egalitarian. But the dressing well part works (I have tested this). With casual clothes, the staff are patient, but often you get some glances from your well dressed neighbors. Everyone realizes you are a student once you order tap water instead of a real drink. And don't give me those doubtful looks, I know you all like to dress the part when eating out. I strongly feel that restaurants should never lose their pomposity, because it is about eating, but also celebration - it's part of the show.
I ordered one of the few chicken dishes on the menu. Was not over cooked, and the flavor sunk into the meat. Nothing special though, considering the exorbitant amount I paid for it. But it was definitely aesthetically pleasing. Arranged in a fancy manner, with sides neatly placed around the meat. Was not too dry either. But like I said, nothing special in the flavor, a bit bland for my asian tongue. Ordered some duck fried chips. I felt even worse for those. They were slightly soggy and not at all what I expected. Let's not mention the price of all the food.
In my opinion, there is nothing special about the place. The intention of making a smokehouse rediscovering the art of the American barbeque is nothing new. Its an expensive steakhouse at best and the food is much too monotone for the price. Definitely not a date place. Not a place to escape the fast paced world. It has too much of an office feeling and that is the primary reason for the negative views I have here. If you can afford it, great, but it will not give you the meat sweats (go to Rodizio Preto on Leicester Square for that). There are far greater steakhouses. A strongly one time place for me.
I went midweek for dinner, and there were several suits there sitting alongside me. They were probably from the offices nearby. It seems Jamie and Adam Perry managed to capture the share of the market they were after. But, professional critics didn't seem to like the place much. As we approach its one year anniversary, perhaps the chefs should sit down and take a look at the reviews.
Let's be honest, Jamie Oliver does have a name in the industry, hence the restaurant's popularity. But don't you think that this is completely opposite to the Jamie Oliver we know and love? I just think that the atmosphere at the restaurant is so 'premium' that it would send shivers down Jamie's spine if he ever sat in it. If I had strolled over in my jeans and t shirt, I would've definitely felt underdressed. Great view of St. Pauls, but the red velvet wrapped designer furniture, shiny brass, and double high ceilings were a tad bit intimidating. I got a great seat near the windows, but had to order a bottle of wine to not look out of place. Totally dug the whole 'taste the wine before I picked it' act. Although, I was ignored for 10 minutes after that, and had to wildly hail someone for attention.
But it's not all that bad. The meat came dripping in mouth watering juices, with a background track booming with primal energy, and the bread came impaled on a wooden board rather than the usual basket. After all this, anyone would appreciate the money they put into the place - the epitome of commercial success. But despite this, it was slightly artificial and awkward. For all the idealists out there, this is what soulless, money spinning commercialism looks like.
I understand the feelings people have regarding spending the money they earn slaving away at desks all day, and the need to wear formal clothing which grants them mysterious powers to influence the waiters serving them. Its an old stereotype that aids the snobbery of eating out, even though the concept has become far more egalitarian. But the dressing well part works (I have tested this). With casual clothes, the staff are patient, but often you get some glances from your well dressed neighbors. Everyone realizes you are a student once you order tap water instead of a real drink. And don't give me those doubtful looks, I know you all like to dress the part when eating out. I strongly feel that restaurants should never lose their pomposity, because it is about eating, but also celebration - it's part of the show.
I ordered one of the few chicken dishes on the menu. Was not over cooked, and the flavor sunk into the meat. Nothing special though, considering the exorbitant amount I paid for it. But it was definitely aesthetically pleasing. Arranged in a fancy manner, with sides neatly placed around the meat. Was not too dry either. But like I said, nothing special in the flavor, a bit bland for my asian tongue. Ordered some duck fried chips. I felt even worse for those. They were slightly soggy and not at all what I expected. Let's not mention the price of all the food.
In my opinion, there is nothing special about the place. The intention of making a smokehouse rediscovering the art of the American barbeque is nothing new. Its an expensive steakhouse at best and the food is much too monotone for the price. Definitely not a date place. Not a place to escape the fast paced world. It has too much of an office feeling and that is the primary reason for the negative views I have here. If you can afford it, great, but it will not give you the meat sweats (go to Rodizio Preto on Leicester Square for that). There are far greater steakhouses. A strongly one time place for me.
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