This is the final programme in the Jamie Does series, and Jamie Oliver seems to have saved the best for last. This is a man who knows there is more to Greek food than kebabs and he wants the viewer to enjoy it as much as he does.
At last Jamie has found the magic formula which combines an emphasis on food with a nod to a culture which has been around for thousands of years. Viewers are not tuning into the show to watch him tour the historic monuments – they want to see him cook.
So rather than searching desperately for sites in the city that have some tenuous food connection, as he did in Venice, there a nice scene of him whipping up some souvlaki on a “mobile cooking unit” (ie barbecue), something that’s been around for a few millennia. As has the Acropolis, which happens to be nicely in soft focus behind him. Right, that’s the tourist shot out of the way – let’s concentrate on the food.
Check Out The Tavernas In Athens
Aside from the obligatory visit to the big central market, a shop selling huge bunches of dried herbs and a kebab-making contest at a “fast food” eaterie, there’s barely a shot of Athens. And thankfully he avoids the opportunity to get sloshed when joining a group of people at a taverna for some mezze and a spot of Greek dancing.
Instead Jamie heads out of the city to the island of Aegina, about an hour from the capital. Here he meets a local priest who makes his own goat’s cheese, and some beekeepers who provide the vital ingredient for his honey and pistachio cake. Local olive groves also give him an excuse to add liberal doses of the ingredient seemingly chained to his wrist in every show, olive oil.
And not forgetting the delights of fresh seafood, Jamie joins a group of fishermen on their boat. With the James Bond theme pulsing in the background, Mr Oliver grabs his (rather small) harpoon and spears his own lunch. It’s a bit “all men together”, but then the Greeks have never been renowned for displaying their feminine side.
Kebabs, Jamie Style
Not surprisingly, the recipes come thick and fast, with Jamie’s own take on kebabs and Greek salad, plus a hearty fishermen’s stew. Featuring huge slabs of goat’s cheese, honey oozing straight from the comb and tuna literally fresh from the sea, the cooking truly is a feast for all the senses.
Jamie Does Athens is exactly what Jamie Oliver does best – food, glorious food, all as fresh as possible, with a “go on, try it yourself, you can do it!” attitude. As summer allegedly approaches, this is the perfect opportunity to get out your own “mobile cooking unit” and grill yourself a slice of Greek heaven. Come back soon, Jamie – you’re a true inspiration.
Arlene Kelly - Born and raised in a small prairie town, by the time I graduated high school I decided I’d had enough of Manitoba winters and headed ...
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