Another visit to Jamie's Italian

Yet again my husband was away for my birthday and yet again my sister filled the void. My number 2 son had found out that if you own a Blue Badge you can park at Westfield from Monday-Friday for free. This was news to me but then I hadn't gone into the deeper recesses of the Westfield website. The parking charges are about the only thing I don't like about the shopping centre. We had to park in an area I didn't really know (and I wasn't sure we'd ever find that car again) and on departure surrender the parking ticket plus the Blue Badge for intricate inspection. I am pleased to say I passed the test. But I digress. Entering the shopping centre from an unfamiliar escalator I was delighted to see a great array of Boris bikes and the great man himself giving press interviews. I didn't listen in (although I took a couple of pictures) but I imagine they must be extending the zones in which these bikes can be used. My friend Daniel, a keen cyclist, reckons they are great bikes to ride. I have my doubts as they look so clunky. But hey, what do I know? (Other than I'd be far too scared of the London traffic to even consider riding one).

And so to Jamie's. And it was another wonderful meal. From previous experience I have learned that I cannot manage 3 of Jamie's filling courses so we began with some nibbles. I ordered Mushroom fritti which was absolutely splendid, large mushrooms cut into chips with the exact same garlicky/parsley combination  that Jamie's funky chips have. And wondrous alioli. Delish!

Anne chose the rather more worthy (although deep-fried) Ravioli nachos, a nice idea but there wasn't enough of the spicy sauce to hide the blandness of the pasta.

Now, in my short experience of dining at Jamie's, I have always found it worth having a good look at the day's Specials.

I went for the plaice, Anne chose the previously happy chicken. The plaice was absolutely superb, probably the best piece of fish I've eaten this year. The sauce was just fab. Anne liked her chicken but the next day lunching with me she said that actually it was a bit too salty and she preferred the chicken recipe I had just cooked for her. We shared a tub of funky chips. It would have been rude not to.

The puddings were a triumph.

I am so glad I had the Tuscan Eat & Mess. It was fabulous. Tangy, slightly sharp but creamy and sweet all at the same time. Really, really good.  Anne selected her usual Tiramisu because she is addicted to it.

We shared a bottle of Merlot although as Anne was driving  I had the lion's share.  The bill came to just under £60.  I must also mention the very charming waitress who told us that Jamie does pop in from time to time but that as he is opening another 7 branches he is quite a busy man. But we knew that! Busier than Boris I suspect.