Finding a good restaurant where the entire family can eat healthily can be quite a challenge. Firstly, it seemed most dining establishments coughed out a kids menus as an after-thought. Most kids menu items, if any, are predictable and horribly lacking in nutrition: think frozen pizzas, tasteless chicken nuggets, spaghetti drowned in tomato sauce with nary any fresh ingredients. Sometimes, having the kids consume the adult’s portion may not be ideal as the amount of salt, seasoning, spices, alcoholic contents etc. may not suit the kids’ palate.
Jamie Oliver is famed for his advocacy in serving good food that are nutritious and tasty. From his cooking shows and recipe books, we know that he uses only the freshest ingredients and rustic home-style cooking. Bring in the Italians who place high emphasis on food and family moments, this is essentially what Jamie’s Italian is about – fresh, good food to bond family and friends together.
For the Kids
In their newly launched Kids Menu, Jamie’s Italian continues their tradition of serving wholesome food that kids love complete with healthy drinks (e.g. you won’t find fizzy carbonated drinks on the list). Rather you’ll find drinks that would get parents’ nod of approval such as fruity water, juices and milk.
When we dined there last Sunday, the kids chose the handmade Margherita Pizza as well as the Five-a-Day Picnic Box accompanied by fruity water. We had to wait awhile for the items to be prepared, naturally as they are prepared fresh upon ordering. Meanwhile, the kids were busy with the drawing materials provided which doubled up as a placemat. How thoughtful.
When the food came, the Margherita Pizza with its ozzy Mozzarella cheese on Jamie’s seven-veg sauce was a hit! The crispy sourdough base was of the right thickness and texture. It wasn’t too long before the pizza was gone!
When the Five-A-Day Picnic Box arrived with its crispy veggies and mixed dried fruits arranged neatly in a picnic box, the kids’ eyes literally lit up. The colours, presentation and varying texture of the dish made it appealing for the kids to nibble at the veggies and the dried fruits while munching the wrap in the other hand! This dish makes it fun for kids to consume their greens. Brilliant!
As part of the Kids’ Menu, the kids were served Shake-Me Salad: fresh garden salad that comes in a jar. Simply pour in the dressing and shake to mix then serve. Buddy finds it amusing to shake a salad this way. Having fun is the best way to learn, especially when it comes to learning about healthy eating for kids!
Here are other options that are available in the Jamie’s Italian Kids Menu at only S$12++ per set:
While the kids are feasting on Jamie’s Italian’s Kids Menu, the adults were not left out. For starters, we chose the Crispy Squid. Squid is never easy to cook well as it becomes rubbery when overcooked. However the Crispy Squid served here with garlic mayo was just spot on. Simply addictive!
For mains, we shared the Venetian Fish Stew – a throwback to our recent Iceland Summer trip where we first tasted exceptional fish stew. Here, prepared in an Italian manner, the fish stew was exploding with tantalizing flavours. The colours in this dish are amazing while the texture and flavor just sealed the meal for us perfectly. A must try!
We ended the meal with a serving of the waiter’s recommendation of Tiramisu. I love Tiramisu and therefore I can be quite a fusspot when it comes to this. But Jamie’s Italian’s Tiramisu stood out clearly as being one of the best we’ve eaten for a long time. The Kahlua and the orange peel lifted the taste of this exquisite dessert. One serving is not enough. I’d come back here just for this alone.
Overall, we really enjoyed the careful thought that went into the Kid Menu and the quality of the main menu dishes too. It is a restaurant we would not hesitate to bring the family back for more wholesome dining experience!
JAMIE’S ITALIAN SINGAPORE
- Jamie’s Italian, VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk #01-165/167Vivo CitySingapore 098585
65 6733 5500
- Jamie’s Italian Forum
583 Orchard Road #01-01/04 Forum Singapore 238884
65 6655 7676
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