Jamie Oliver is one of the most popular TV chefs in the world and along with his television shows, books and live shows, he’s the man that has helped shape the way we view our food and its preparation while also making a huge difference in the lives of many along the way.

Jamie Oliver has used his influence and knowledge to improve the health and nutrition of children in Britain and has played an important part in giving young Australian hopefuls a chance to turn their world around with training at the Melbourne based Fifteen Restaurant.

Jamie is in Melbourne for his two live interactive shows at Hisense Arena on March 11 & 12, which coincide with the start of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. It is an absolute pleasure and great privilege to bring our 3008
readers this exclusive interview.

Jamie, you haven’t been back to Melbourne since 2006, are you
looking forward to returning?

I can’t wait. It’s such an incredible city and I’ve had a great time every time I’ve visited. The people are so friendly, the food is great, the weather is good too and it’ll be brilliant to get away from freezing cold Britain for a few days.
Any hints as to what we can expect from this live interactive show at Hisense Arena?

I’m still putting the show together but it’ll be a celebration of the last ten years and a few old favourites in terms of recipes. We are looking at ways of getting the audience involved – texting questions to me is one possibility – but I don’t want to spoil the surprises too much.

How do you prepare for a live, interactive show with all the travelling you do; is it a daunting prospect or do you take a relaxed approach to the show?

I don’t really get nervous before a show these days, although this one will be quite a big show so who knows how I’ll feel. I’ll be concentrating on making sure the audience get their money’s worth and have a brilliant time. Basically, I’m going to really go for it and give the show everything I’ve got!

Will you stay around in Melbourne for a while after your shows to enjoy the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival?

Yes, I’m looking forward to it and I am also going up to Marysville to meet some of the people up there as well as around Melbourne doing a few appearances for a day or so.

The ongoing rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney is rife for the title as the nation’s capital in the culinary stakes; could you once and for all settle this argument?

I wouldn’t dare to!

Melbourne City and Docklands are home to some fabulous restaurants,
do you have any favourites?

Fifteen, of course.

How have the careers of your specially selected on-the-job trained staff of Fifteen progressed, did some stay on with your Melbourne restaurant?
The restaurant so far has graduated 18 brilliant young people; almost all of them are working and blossoming in the restaurant business. One of the first year graduates went back there to work for a bit last year but generally they go off and continue their careers in whichever restaurant they want to – the Fifteen foundation helps them to be able to do that and is always there for them if they need it.

The Fifteen course is very thorough and the training they get will stand them in good stead to work in any restaurant in Australia.

If you were to liken Melbourne to a dish, what would it be and why?

Something beautiful, fresh and vibrant so maybe barbecued shrimp with
a bit of chilli and lime.

Jamie's Live Shows 8pm Thursday 11th
& Friday 12th of March at Hisense Arena
For tickets: www.ticketek.com.au or
call 132 849