Jamie

Jamie's American Road Trip Jamie's American Road Trip

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Date Published:
24/07/2009

Jamie Oliver is setting off on the culinary journey of a lifetime as he travels around the USA for his new six-part series

Jamie is heading off the beaten track to find the real underground food and meet up with the unsung heroes who make American food far more interesting and varied than its reputation allows. Rather than fancy restaurants and top chefs, he'll be meeting, and learning from, real cooks making honest food for working people at street stalls, off-road diners and down-to-earth local restaurants. Along the way, he’s picking up delicious new recipes, experiencing tastes old and new, and learning how other cultures adapt when they come to the USA.

From cowboys to alligator hunters, and ex-gang members to high-society ladies, Jamie wants to discover the real heart of America, through its people, culture, music and – most importantly - its food.

Watch the exclusive interview with Jamie below.

In each episode Jamie will be exploring the food, local hang-outs and people of places as diverse as the immigrant communities in New York’s Queens district where Jamie helps to serve food on the streets in the bitter East Coast winter; the hurricane-struck residents of Louisiana, still trying to rebuild years after Katrina; and the Navajo Indians of Arizona, who are desperately fighting to keep their food culture alive.

In Jamie's words: "Many people think American food is just burgers, fries and huge portions. But there's so much more to the country and its food than that, so I want to get beyond the stereotypes and try the real taste of America.

Away from the tourist traps, the US is a fascinating country with so many cultures existing side-by-side, exchanging ideas, solving issues and of course sharing food. On my trip I’ve met some incredible people from the Navajo, struggling to preserve their culture in the 21st century, to a guy in New York city who goes out every night to feed home-cooked food to dozens of homeless people.

Along the way I’ve eaten the most amazing meals, cooked with love by people who care about their way of life, whether it’s Hispanic former gangsters in East Los Angeles or soul-food lovers in the Deep South.

It's an epic journey across a stunning and varied country and I’ll never think of America in the same way again."

More from Jamie's American Road Trip

Browse all Jamie's recipes

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  1. Dear Jamie, I have always been a fan of yours, but after watching the programme on Friday (dont know if it was a repeat-episode re:New Orleans), I was DISGUSTED that the alligators in the programme were shot several times. The poor animal must have suffered terribly, and it almost seems like the people that were doing it enjoyed it, plus yourself as a spectator didn't have any qualms about it. I do not care what the animal is, you do not kill an animal like that,-they all feel pain. It beggers belief that I really thought that you cared about animal welfare when you took part in the 'Chicken Out' campain, re Chickens should be free range, and then on the other hand obviously support the culling of Alligators in this way. I fully support the other viewers statement below and will not be buying any books or watching any more programmes of yours, it really disturbed me. Yes, I am pro animal welfare and do not eat meat, so I can say that I don't eat living animals, but i live with a meat eater, and whatever meat gets bought is bought with my conscience been clear that it had a humane death.Very poor form Jamie.GR
    Posted by Gemma on 09/11/2009 12:29:39
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  2. Dear Jamie, I've always loved your passion about food, and also loved watching your cooking programmes on T.V. But watching your America series re:New Orleans, I have to say I was appalled how inhumanely the alligators were hunted by yourself and an eleven year old girl on camera. Two alligator's were shot by handgun at least twice before they were killed.....most inhumane. To see an eleven year old girl encouraged to take pot shots at an animal was even more disgusting. Jamie....why not go to an already established Alligator Farm in New Orleans where alligators are humanely euthanised? Just wondering Jaimie...would you encourage your own daughters to take pot shots from a handgun at living creatures? ...shocking stuff! Won't be watching your programme again, nor will I be purchasing any more of your books. P.M.
    Posted by P.M.G on 02/11/2009 10:14:50
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  3. So, has it finished now then????
    Posted by Charlie on 18/10/2009 15:07:41
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  4. Arrggghhh missed the end of the bbq competition episode did they win??
    Posted by jodie g on 10/10/2009 14:20:22
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  5. Probably the best factual TV series this year. Jamie is clearly an entertaining and, at times, genuinely thought provoking leader. But arguably as much credit should go to the production team with some of the awe inspiring scenery beautifully shot and, in my opinion, genious shown in the music selection - i'm thinking of Doves and TV on the Radio in particular. Far more than a food programme, it's a genuine exploration of the states using food as a way in. There are a fair few more states to cover so roll on another series!
    Posted by Tm on 07/10/2009 01:23:20
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  6. what was the drink that jamie drank in new york given to him by ali el sayed in his cafe.
    Posted by GAVIN on 01/10/2009 19:29:45
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  7. Great fan of anything Jamie does, I would like to know what happens to the rest of the Aligator that was shot in an episode, I'm not a save the world, Veggie or the likes but if all the meat that comes off one of these beasts is a few pounds of edible steak? it seems a waste.
    Posted by Eamonn L'Estrange on 01/10/2009 18:37:19
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  8. well personally, hes a chef, human welfare is for animals raised in harsh living conditions, these are wild aligators and tbh from a chefs point of veiw its food, he went there to sample american cuisine and thats what he's getting, its a damn good show and a shame its at the end now
    Posted by Jubberz on 30/09/2009 13:55:54
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  9. Disappointed! Disappointed! Disappointed! What happened to Jamie’s view on animal welfare? If he cares why is he happy to allow alligators to be shot, without regard for humane slaughter? Does this mean he only cares for animals that will raise his profile???
    Posted by A.Scott on 22/09/2009 21:53:35
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  10. love the program! just wanted to say that seeing the program where jamie went to see the colombian man george.... brought tears to my eyes.. he is an amazing human being. thank you jamie for letting me see there are people with a very good heart...and little money
    Posted by deedee on 17/09/2009 21:35:42
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  11. The focus of this series on food made in the ethnic enclaves of America's great cities is brilliant, and should set a new standard. But, as others have noted, the "secret dinner" in NYC contradicted the entire point of the programme and the series. Oliver's pontifications on the importance of America's ethnic and social diversity rang hollow when his mostly white and clearly well-heeled guests trotted through the door. It was as though the egyptians, peruvians and colombians from whom he borrowed recipes, ideas, and material for the programme were barred entry and left where they belonged - which is kind of the way America has always treated its immigrants. I don't think Mr Oliver wanted capture this sense of the American spirit, but unfortunately, he did.
    Posted by Michael Bresalier on 16/09/2009 15:54:39
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  12. Hi there - the song from the Wyoming episode is 10.03 by The Doves. The song on the New York episode as Jamie heads to the Chinese is Bubba Sparxxx - Deliverance, followed by Fast Train by Solomon Burke. Hoe that helps! Kind regards - 4Food Ed
    Posted by 4Food Ed on 16/09/2009 12:02:19
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  13. can anyone tell me what that track was just after jamie had been in the Chinese kitchen in New York. It was just keyboards and guitar I think
    Posted by steve on 15/09/2009 21:52:18
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  14. I have been watching Jamie since the beginning and have all his books but didn't enjoy the last series so much, but I have to say this new series in America is fantastic. I am a big foodie but don't even watch this programme for the food, I even miss another favourite to watch it. It is so fascinating and so entertaining and even brings tears to my eyes at times. It is an absolute credit to him. It is a real eye opener to the world, I haven't enjoyed a programme so much for ages. Fantastic, well done, keep them coming.
    Posted by Claire D'Andrea on 15/09/2009 21:44:22
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  15. does anybody know the name of the track that was played on the rodeo sequence..if the Doves, which one?
    Posted by dave chalfont on 12/09/2009 20:42:18
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  16. It was the mighty Doves as backtrack to episode 2
    Posted by Sparkindy on 11/09/2009 14:04:42
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  17. In last night's Wyoming episode during the rodeo sequence there was some great thunderous rock music track being played. Does anyone know who the track and artist(s) are? Thanks in advance!
    Posted by markg on 09/09/2009 14:19:27
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  18. I'm French and a huge fan of JO. But last night I almost fell off my sofa : what was this dreadful anti-French remark ? JO, slightly ... tipsy let's say, imitating a French man and telling him he could ...(you heard) with his fondue because the cowboys THEY cook beef like real men should ... what was all this about ?! Come on Jamie ! Being vulgar and racist ? That's not you ! Mind you, the scene where he was trying to catch a horse with a lasso... God that was funny ! This guy is not afraid to appear SO ridiculous sometimes ! And this really made me fall off my sofa ! And I heard that a good laugh is worth a large steak, so I don't care any more how it should be cooked ! Thank you Jamie ;-)
    Posted by nathalie on 09/09/2009 09:24:09
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  19. does anyone know what the main music used in the Wyoming episode last night - alabama 3 maybe - but which track? love it. good show.
    Posted by emmsy on 09/09/2009 00:41:48
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  20. loved the programme last week and cant wait for tonite, getting the book for birthday.
    Posted by wheelie on 08/09/2009 13:06:52
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  21. Slightly embarrassed that I got the link wrong on my own site! Here it is again http://www.channel4.com/programmes/jamies-american-road-trip/4od
    Posted by 4Food Ed on 07/09/2009 12:26:06
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  22. Hi there Don't panic Goldicote. If you missed episode one of Jamie's American Road Trip, you can watch it again online on Channel 4's <b><a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/jamies-american-road-trip/4od">4oD service</a></b>. Hope your family enjoy it!
    Posted by 4Food Ed on 03/09/2009 12:08:26
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  23. I missed it! Forgot to record it and now in trouble wih the family. Is it on again this week before the second episode?
    Posted by Goldicote on 02/09/2009 17:35:34
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  24. Being an American of here in England. I can just imagine how much they loved him over in the States. I love Jamie's style of cooking, his approach to life, his lack of modesty and minute for minute he is some of the best all-round entertainment value available. Jamie you're Da BOMB!!! I hope you had fun!
    Posted by G~ on 22/08/2009 14:48:19
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  25. I love this advert ha ha! I wanted to post it on my facebook but couldnt as its not on You Tube! I love him in chaps very funny.
    Posted by Nancy on 19/08/2009 11:38:46
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  26. Being only 34 this massive TV talent lacks all elements of modesty or ability to be embassered. His main aim is good entertainment and good food. I love it. He's a true presenter professional and a pride to the whole international community of television.
    Posted by UlrikE on 11/08/2009 14:32:04
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  27. After coming back from a 2 week stay in the USA I am so excited about this series. Please include pulled poek and Boston Creme Pie!
    Posted by cat_g_83 on 11/08/2009 14:19:41
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