The Naked Chef (1999)
This show was Oliver's television debut, and was noted for its use of jumpy, close-up camera work, and the presenter's "Mockney" dialect and relaxed style—for example, Oliver would tear up herbs rather than chopping. The programme was credited with inspiring men to cook due to Oliver's "blokey" approach. Each episode was notionally based around a social situation or event in Oliver's life, such as a hen night or babysitting his cousins.
-
Episode 1 - Moving House
Release Date: 2001-10-16After Jamie cooks his final recipes at the flat: a hearty sandwich for the movers and a picnic lunch for Jules, over at the new place, he puts together a makeshift kitchen and checks out the local shops for ingredients for a housewarming party.
-
Episode 2 - Rock and Roast
Release Date: 2001-10-23Jamie is a huge fan of Jay Kay (Jamiroquai) and the singer asks him to come to his home in Princes Risborough to cook for the band. Jamie cooks Jay Kay his favorite meal - a traditional roast with all the trimmings - using produce from Jay Kay's gardens.
-
Episode 3 - Godfather
Release Date: 2001-10-30Jamie is to be godfather of a close friend, photographer David Loftus's daughter and has offered to cook the Christening dinner. Jamie will cook this special celebration meal in David's boathouse after shopping for fruit and veg in Borough market.
-
Episode 4 - Highland Fling
Release Date: 2001-11-06Jamie travels to the remote Scottish isles to meet the supplier of seafood to the finest London restaurants and goes out on a trawler. After shopping from the local suppliers, Jamie cooks a meal for the fishermen and divers.
-
Episode 5 - Curryfest
Release Date: 2001-11-13When Jules goes away for the weekend, it's the perfect opportunity for a curry with the lads. After picking up tips from Rasca chef Das Sreedharan, and shopping for fish and spices in West London, Jamie cooks the most spectacular curry.
-
Episode 6 - Back to School
Release Date: 2001-11-20Jamie is invited back to his old school, Newport Grammar in Essex, to make a speech at the annual prize-giving ceremony. Jamie is drawn into helping several food technology pupils cook a meal for the prize-winners.
-
Episode 7 - The Italian Job
Release Date: 2001-11-27Jamie & old friend Gennaro Contaldo head off to the New Forest to meet another enthusiastic Italian, Mauro Bregoli. Using food gathered from the wild by Gennaro and Bregoli, Jamie cooks up a fantastic Italian feast.
-
Episode 8 - At the Beach
Release Date: 2001-12-04Jamie takes Australian chefs to Porth in North Cornwall; the British equivalent of Bondai, in an attempt to prove that England has decent surfing and cooks a barbie on the beach.