Jamie Oliver could get another chance with L.A. schools chief

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The second episode of Jamie Oliver’s ‘Food Revolution’ in Los Angeles airs Tuesday night on ABC, and he called in to his executive producer’s radio show to talk about what’s ahead. Oliver, who left L.A. a few weeks ago after filming most of the Season 2 episodes, said during “On-Air with Ryan Seacrest” this morning that he’s coming back to L.A. next week to finish up.

The tension of the season pits Oliver against the Los Angeles Unified School District. He wanted entree to the school cafeterias; the district said no thanks, it didn’t need the drama that would inspire. But Oliver told Seacrest that he hoped that the arrival last Friday of a new superintendent, John Deasy, would result in a welcome mat for ‘Food Revolution.’ He said he hopes he and Deasy ‘can be allies.’

A news release issued on Oliver’s behalf shortly after the radio program Tuesday morning went a bit further. It says school officials have ‘since reconsidered their participation in the series’ and that Oliver is returning to L.A. to meet with Deasy. However, district spokesman Robert Alaniz said there was no such appointment on Deasy’s calendar. But, he added, ‘that doesn’t mean that there hasn’t been a conversation’ about a meeting.

And for Oliver, making news on the day his program airs can’t hurt ratings. Readers who tune in can see the Emmy-winning chef making a second attempt to talk to the school board and also outside a school dressed as a tomato.

-- Mary MacVean