The Experience of Jiko - The Cooking Place
Tara Mulkerin12.10.19One of the most amazing culinary experiences in Walt Disney World is Jiko-The Cooking Place. It’s located in The Animal Kingdom Lodge. Reservations are essential, and you should treat yourself to arriving early. The Animal Kingdom Lodge has an incredible lobby to enjoy, including a large fireplace perfect for having a glass of wine. There is also a very large shop with an eclectic range of items from beautiful engraved walking sticks to cute plush animals.Heading down the large open staircase you’ll find Jiko. You’ll check in at the podium, likely having to wait a few minutes, which is fortunate as the bar is quite beautiful. The whole ambiance of the restaurant is sophisticated with some African touches. Flying birds hang from the ceiling and twin wood-fired clay ovens baking fresh bread sending off a rich aroma that will get your taste buds standing at attention!You’ll be escorted to one of the large family booths or a romantic table for two. The service is excellent at Jiko. Your server is well versed in the menu and able to answer any questions. You’ll be brought that wonderful bread and offered beverages. You may consider one of the specialty wines here from African countries, as well as more traditional beverages. The menu changes seasonally but the appetizers are creative and delicious. Some of the appetizers that never seem to change (thank goodness) are the Grilled Wild Boar Tenderloin; the Taste of Africa, which includes 3 different African Breads along with 3 dips; and there is always a flatbread of some sort that changes often. Of course, there are other choices and salads. You really could make a meal out of trying several appetizers and enjoying creative drinks.
The entrees are just as innovative and delicious as the appetizers. Personally, I think Jiko’s filet mignon to be the best on property. Currently it comes on a bed of potatoes and covered in a red wine sauce, topped with asparagus. In past years the filet was over a bed of mac and cheese that the sauce would dribble down on. It was like a bite of heaven. Ask your server to have it “old school with the mac” as our last server referred to it. Lamb, chicken, and a vegetarian dish are also available. Don’t forget to look at the enhancement portion of the menu where they have side items such as Madagascar Vanilla poached South African lobster tail, and a kicked up with African spices mac and cheese!
The kid’s menu is typical, fish, chicken, steak, mac and cheese, shrimp and pizza. Like most Disney restaurants, they chef is happy to work with picky children and any allergies.
On to the arguably the best course…DESSERT! The choices at Jiko are not only scrumptious but they are works of art in presentation. The Kilimanjaro is an amazing Valrhona chocolate mousse with all kinds or goodness going on with it, some pineapple, méringue, cacao crunch, a little pistachio…. just so yummy. The Malva pudding and the Sunset Safari carrot cake are also winners, though if there’s a loser on this menu, I haven’t found it.
Jiko is a Signature restaurant which would be 2 credits if you are using the Dining Plan. Some items like the enhancements and specialty wines may be extra.Jiko is a course-by-course meal meant to be savored. It is best to plan on about 2 hours for your dinner. It’s also lovely to spend some time at the bar or the lobby enjoying a drink. Jiko has an upscale casual dress code. Transportation to The Animal Kingdom Lodge from the parks or Disney Springs would be by bus. To get from resort to resort you would have to go to a park or Disney Springs to transfer to a bus or, preferably take a Minnie Van.If you would like to plan a vacation that could include Jiko or any of the other amazing restaurants in Walt Disney World it would be my pleasure to assist you. My booking services are free and my itinerary planning services are always complimentary.Please feel free to contact me via cell 412-913-8652 or email tmulkerin@wishesfamilytravel.com