Naked Chef, aka Jamie Oliver -- Good or Hype?

[KurtNYC]

Jamie Oliver began work at the critically acclaimed River Cafe in London for three years. After appearing on television as part of a documentary on the River Cafe, Jamie was called the next morning by five of the top production companies in England.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/jamie_oliver/article/0,1974,FOOD_9892_1702130,00.html

I don't really have an answer myself. The guy learned cooking in the back of an English pub. Then he went on to a trade school until the age of 16. He wound up on TV because he is cute, passionate about food and a little funny. But does he have something teach millions of people about cooking?

My personal rule is that any place known for drinking has lousy food. And why shouldn't they? Until recently, they were full of cigarette smoke and after 2 pints it doesn't matter too much what it tastes like. Anything with 'bar & grill' in the title, TGI Friday's, and the like are not places that hold up to culinary criticism.

My little brother does a wicked Jamie Oliver impression, "alright love, you take the bland english ingredients, whack it about a bit, put it in a bowl and there ...pukka tukka."

Anyone tried his recipes?

[flamingyouth]

1. His Fantastic Roast Chicken is exactly that

He also has some great risotto recipes. I have a couple of his cookbooks and like them.

[mondo joe]

4. What makes it fantastic?

[flamingyouth]

6. I like the addition of proscuitto and lemon zest

The butter and herbs probably don't hurt either. ;)

Edit: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_14010,00.html

[mondo joe]

7. nothing bad in that list of ingredients!

[mac56]

2. I think he's great.

Tried his recipes and haven't had a bad experience yet.

Food Network must have had a falling-out with him. They only show one episode of "Naked Chef" per week anymore, usually at about 3 am. Anyone know what the story is?

[CO Liberal]

3. I Wish He'd Wash His Hands Occasionally

There's nothing grosser than a close-up of his hands while he's working on something, and you can see the dirt under his fingernails...

:puke:

[Goldmund]

5. I have

one time he was making something with bacon, rosemary and olive oil... I swear, I'm often tempted to just put those three things in a pan together to make my house smell good. You should try it sometime. It'll kick your ass.

[HerbieHeadhunter]

8. He's a thief...

"naked chef" in a character I coined in college back in 92.

Of course, my "naked chef" involved being quite drunk and just wearing an apron.

I'm due a royalty check, I believe.

[KurtNYC]

10. Yes - he doesn't deliver on the "naked" thing

You should have a cable show. ;-)

[HerbieHeadhunter]

11. Alas...

the idea has been stolen and used. My career never had a chance.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

9. I enjoy his show immensly

[fluffernutter]

12. I do too - i love Jamie Oliver.

he is an awesome cook with a great personality (a little hyper maybe ;) ), and i think his recipes are very good.

[KurtNYC]

13. I enjoyed the Channel 4 (UK) documentary

and although most of the kids seemed almost too star-struck to apply themselves, it blew the doors off of the Rocco DiSpirito reality show.

He seems to be a great, fun guy who is community-minded. I'm just not sold on 'whacked rocket' yet (or much other British fare).

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

15. I liked that too

[The Sushi Bandit]

14. Where is the NUDITY????