| When you first think of dining at Walt Disney World | | | | different blend of flavors and ingredients. Appetizer |
| you would be forgiven for not first thinking of the | | | | offerings include Green Asparagus Soup, Tikka |
| opportunities for a fine dining experience. In reality | | | | Marinated Ahi Tuna, and Kalamata Olive Flatbread a |
| Walt Disney World offers some excellent restaurants | | | | particular favorite of mine. The signature dish is the |
| which are more than worth a visit by tourists and | | | | Wood Grilled Filet Mignon with macaroni and cheese |
| locals alike. | | | | and red wine sauce. An unusual combination, but it |
| Jiko - The Cooking Place is a particular favorite of | | | | works wonderfully. Other items include Durban Shrimp |
| mine. It is located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. | | | | Curry,Tamarind Braised Beef Short Rib, and Wood |
| Chef de Cuisine Anette Grecchi Gray presides over | | | | Grilled Pork Tenderloin. I recommend that you order |
| this AAA Four Diamond Award winning restaurant. | | | | the cheese plate which has selections of goat and |
| The origins of her creations for the menu were her | | | | sheep's cheese. |
| participation in 1999 in the 25th anniversary of the | | | | Many of the waiters are sommeliers and will be glad |
| South African Cook's Society in Johannesburg. She | | | | to offer samples of wine before you decide on a |
| cooked for African dignitaries and traveled into the | | | | bottle. They will expertly guide you through the |
| bush to learn the cuisines and culture of the South | | | | exclusively South African wine list. With over 1800 |
| African tribes. | | | | wines, Jiko has the largest collection of South African |
| The Jeffrey Beers designed interior is a fabulous mix | | | | wines of any North American restaurant. |
| of warm colors,taking it's inspiration from The Lion | | | | Not forgetting the dessert, my favorite is the |
| King, and creating an inviting and sophisticated | | | | Flourless Chocolate Mocha Cake Stack with vanilla ice |
| atmosphere. You are warmly greeted by African | | | | cream and caramel sauce. Other current offerings |
| students who are participating in the Disney one year | | | | include spiced fruit sorbet and Green Apple |
| cultural exchange program. The focus of the | | | | Mascapone Trifle. |
| restaurant are the twin wood burning ovens in the | | | | This fine dining restaurant has an unusual feature. A |
| open kitchen. Diners can choose to sit at the bar and | | | | children's menu. My young children, who are very |
| observe the chefs prepare the food for the | | | | familiar with and enjoy dining out in high quality |
| restaurant. | | | | restaurants, appreciated the quality of the food. The |
| The style is American cuisine blended with influences | | | | menu has the usual kid's offerings of macaroni and |
| from Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean and India. This | | | | cheese, grilled cheese and pizza but they are cooked |
| is an unusual mix, but it works beautifully. There is | | | | from scratch with high quality ingredients. Our family |
| not anything too challenging here though. I found the | | | | is always very happy at Jiko. |
| originality refreshing. Familiar dishes are offered with a | | | | |