After a big day in the parks, I made my way over to AKL. When I got there I went to freshen up and change into some nicer clothes. I then wandered around outside and watched the zebras, giraffes and buffalo graze the savannahs at sunset. These African animals are so beautiful and graceful and I could watch them forever (I have been lucky enough to travel through Africa and see these animals in the wild).
When my reservation time came around, I made my way to Jiko and as I was dining solo I was promptly seated at the Meeting Place. This is where you can sit at the bar/kitchen and watch whats going on. They make the appetisers and the flatbreads here.
I was welcomed with open arms (quiet literally) and the chefs were amazing. General chit chat, led to me mentioning that I was a huge foodie and loved food photography and cooking and all things food, so they went out of their way to make my experience the best it could offer. I was not disappointed. We chatted about living in Dubai and some of the top restaurants I had been to there, we chatted about their backgrounds and their careers and we discussed the menu!
The table setting
Red Wine (name escapes me!)
Bread basket
But I already knew what I was having
Gilled Wild Boar Tenderloin with Mealie Pap, Chakalaka, White Truffle Oil and Micro Cilantro
This dish, with its perfect presentation, was divine. The Wild Boar was medium rare, full of rich flavour and so tender. The Mealie Pap was creamy and hot and the Chakalaka was tomatoy and tasty laced with African spices
.topped with White truffle oil
well you cant go wrong with truffle oil (particularly white truffle oil!) I was so close to picking the bowl up and licking it clean

but remembered where I was!
Entree: Tibbs Watt in Pannekoeke (complementary sample)
As a complementary sampler who could say no? This was a tasty morsel, like a spring roll, but not tasting like it
.perfectly crisp
Main: Maize crusted halibut with Vegetables of the Moment and Tomato-Butter Sauce
As I was suddenly concerned about eating more meat and having band related issues that go with slabs of meat, I decided to go for the fish.
Perfectly cooked and amazing flavour
.the tomato butter sauce was rich but light at the same time.
Cheesecake & blueberries
Disappointed

that Jiko no longer offered their famous Pistachio crème brulee, I opted to go for this dish. It was wonderfully presented and had a wonderful berry taste. The cheesecake was creamy. It was a good backup dish.
However, when the chefs presented me with a surprise, I put it aside so I could marvel in my surprise
.
Pistachio crème brulee (complementary sample)
I...AM...IN...HEAVEN!

I was feeling very special and loved tonight...the Chefs behind the Meeting Place were so attentive and thoughtful (even though I was reaching gut busting levels!)
My experience at Jiko was absolutely Disney perfect. It was definitely a night for Disney Magic (as if I hadnt been given enough with my Deluxe Resort villa upgrade!)
.I cant recommend Jiko enough
and definitely a must do!!