Jamie Oliver’s street party at Fifteen for Food Revolution Day

Jamie Oliver raised the profile of food programmes on TV when he became famous for his fast-paced cook show Naked Chef in 1997. Since then, the chef has helped revolutionise the way the nation views healthy eating and has tried to encourage a reform of school dinners. Oliver has become a pioneer and a larger than life personality, making him a global celebrity.

The culinary artist has been at war with rising levels of obesity encouraging better food alternatives worldwide, especially in America. On Friday, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day was celebrated in 75 countries and was broadcast live on his YouTube channel Food Tube, hosted by DJ Barbecue. The London celebration of the food festival took place outside Oliver’s swanky restaurant, Fifteen, in the heart of Shoreditch.

Stalls aligned the streets and showcased food from different companies and projects that support Oliver’s vision. Barbecue, Maringue Girls, Jamie’s Italian, Wright Brothers, Bunta, Mishkins and Cho all set up stalls for the public to try and buy their products. Jamie’s Ministry of Food and Jamie Oliver’s Food Foundation also set up marquees to educate the public on the processes in making food. The latter saw school kids from the local area being treated to well-made fresh food.

The main area outside the chef’s restaurant included an outdoor kitchen and was set up like a television studio complete with seating for the audience. They were entertained with live cooking shows and performances from bands such as Passport to Stockholm and comedians like Mark Dolan who was the final act before Oliver himself made a welcome appearance.

The star arrived with his energetic assistant Gennarro and wowed the crowds by cooking fish in salt – also advocating why it was the best method to do so. The fun duo was dynamic throughout and produced succulent salmon, which they subsequently passed out to all members of the audience. Oliver has a huge personality and a star quality that cannot be argued with in the flesh.

By all accounts, the second annual Food Revolution Day was a success and provided enough enjoyment for all who converged upon the festival. Furthermore it solidifies Oliver’s importance in the cooking industry and he continues to make positive steps to better the health of people everywhere he can.

Samuel Mensah

For further information about Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution and future events visit here.