Season Two of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution will air tonight on ABC. Here, Oliver tells The Feast that he doesn't plan on returning to L.A. (after a less-than-welcome reception at local schools), but is hoping to keep his food truck around, and to open a Jamie's Kitchen soon.
Why do you think a city known for promoting a healthier lifestyle, like L.A., didn’t welcome your Food Revolution concept?
The City of Los Angeles welcomed me with open arms. It was the former Superintendent of Schools, Raymond Cortines, who had the problem with me.
We understand that you had to switch gears for the opening episode when your filming permits were revoked, and open your own restaurant in Westwood ‘Jamie’s Kitchen’ so the kids and families could come to you. Did plan B go as expected?
I met amazing people at Jamie's Kitchen and at the school where I worked. The parents and students were anxious for change and willing to do anything to get it.
So it's not true that you were never allowed to set foot in one school?
I did work in a school. I was banned from the cafeteria, not the classroom.
Do you plan on returning to L.A. during the season, and if so, what’s your game plan?
I am coming back at the end of the month to continue the story. We've had an on-going dialogue with the LAUSD and with a new superintendent in, I am optimistic that good things will happen.
Will you continue living here with your family once the show ends?
My business and my family is in England, we loved staying here for a couple of months, but our home is there.
Will you open a permanent Jamie’s Kitchen in L.A.?
Absolutely. My foundation's partner, The American Heart Association, is fund-raising as we speak to build a permanent kitchen for Los Angeles.
What about the educational food truck that you launched for the show? Will that have any life after the Food Revolution?
It's been adopted through a partnership with the California Endowment for the next year, and will be working in underserved L.A. communities doing pilot food and cooking programs.
How are you spending April 29? Will you be watching The Royal Wedding?
I'm not sure really. I am pretty sure I'll be home at the family. [The Feast]
