Dinner at Jiko--and Berbere braised lamb shank

Uncleromulus

Plain grey will be fine
Joined
Jan 28, 2001
Messages
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Last Wed. found Mrs. Uncleromulus and I off on our own for dinner. The other 2 couples we were with didn't like the sound of Jiko's menu, so they opted for Wolfgang Pucks downstairs--where they feasted on hamburgers and Pizza. I think we got the better of the deal!!!
Our PS was for 6:30 and we were seated promptly. I noticed the restaurant was about 3/4 full, which was good to see. We were in our usual theme park casual attire, but on this nite we were in the minority--most folks wore collared shirts with long pants, and there were a number of ladies with dresses. Not that it mattered, of course, and no one really cared or noticed. But Uncleromulus feels that things like this should be reported honestly, given his feelings on the matter.

Anyway--the second thing I noticed was the new outfits worn by the servers. Previously the ladies had worn long gown-like dresses and the men long robes (similar to Marakeesh). But now everyone was in black pants and snazzy orange shirts!! Our server (Ron) said that the long robes and dresses often interfered with the servers walking and placing things on the table--hence the change, which has been well received by servers and patrons alike.
We ordered drinks first--Mrs. U had a S. African Reisling, while I had a Tusker beer. The beer is brewed in Nairobi Kenya and tasted a lot like Corona. Nothing special about it, but OK. The Safari Amber Ale I used to get is now no longer available.
We elected to split 2 appetizers--the Onion, Bacon and Yogurt flatbread, and a Cucumber, Onion and Tomato salad. Both hit the spot and the portions were just right--not so overwhelming huge that you filled up before the main meal even arrived.

AS for the entrees--Uncleromulus had "eyed up" the lamb shank on our last visit as it was being served at an adjoining table. I almost always get the Filet over macaroni, but this trip I was determined to change. My thinking was 'If the Berbere's can't braise Lamb Shank, who can"?? And boy--can they!! This was a large shank with the meat just falling of the bone. It had a slight (but not overpowering) kick to it from whatever sauce they used and it was accompanied by CousCous that was cooked just right. (The last time I had Cous Cous at a different restaurant, it had the consistency of parakeet seed). But this was just fine, and mixed with that Lamb Shank sauce, it disappered from my plate completely. Even Mrs' Uncleromulus had to have several tastes of the lamb--and she HATES lamb. It was that good. It now ranks as one of my top entrees at WDW.
For her entree, Mrs. U had Buttermilk-Curry shrimp. Excellent in it's own right, it consisted of 5 large shrimp and the curry flavor was just right--not overpowering at all.

For dessert Mrs. U ordered the pistachio Creme Brulee (it has a chocolate bottom) while I had selection of fruit sorbet. Both desserts were quite good, as was the coffee we also ordered.
Needless to say we left quite full and satisfied. Jiko remains one of my top-5 favorite restaurants at WDW and I recommend it to anyone who wants a fine meal.
PS-Once again we went out to the Animal vewing area for a look-see. And once again, only a few cattle and birds. And tho I didn't see any Springboks, I did see plenty of Reeboks:)
 
It all sounds really good, but I'm going to stick to your old standby, the steak & mac & cheese for my first dinner at Jiko. Thanks for sharing, Uncle.
 
Wonderful dining review Uncleromulous!

I have the feeling I am in for a treat, as we will be enjoying our first night meal at Jiko in December!
 
FYI:The recipe for the lamb is in the recent issue of the Disney magazine.
 

Thank you for another great review. We went to Jiko on our last trip in June. There were four of us for dinner. My sister-in-law had the lamb shank which she thoroughly enjoyed. I had the Filet over Mac and Chees and it was wonderful. My brother had the salmon and my DH had the Shrimp both of which they said were wonderful. We also had the ahi tuna appetizer and flatbreads and Pistachio Creme Brulee for dessert. I agree that this is one special restaurant. Definitely one we will be visiting on our next visit. Glad to hear it hasn't changed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I'll have to tell DH about the lamb. We'll be there in about three weeks! I had sea bass last visit and it was out of this world. I can't wait for the return visit!

Thanks for the reviews!
 
We celebrated our son's graduation from college at Jiko last spring, and it was perfect. We were seated in the Wine Room. It was very quiet there, which was perfect for conversation - much appreciated by the grandparents in attendance. The service was smooth, informative and unobtrusive. The food was spectacular - even the picky eaters had something good to say! The wine was delicious, too.

We also walked out to see the animals, sat at the fire pit for the storytelling, and walked around the resort.

Perfect company, perfect occasion, perfect food, perfect setting. It was a wonderful setting for a special occasion!
 
We ate at Jiko about three weeks ago and dh got the Lamb Shank and I ordered the Filet w/mac & Cheese. Mmmmmmmmmm!!!! We also split a salad and olive flat bread for an appie. We got dessert, which was a big deal, as we are always too full to get dessert. Really, we should have just ordered coffee, b/c the dessert pushed us to that uncomfortable level. DH got the little African pocket thingies (started with a b) and I got the Pitsachio Creme Brule (sp). Both would have been delish, had we not stuffed ourselves with food and wine prior to ordering dessert. We want to go back next time and just order appies and dessert.

Our waiter was Marty. He was wonderful. Not overly eager, but very friendly. And calm. I like that in a waiter. We found out that he had visited the New Hope/Lambertville area of Pennsylvania often. We had some nice conversations with him and enjoyed him very much as a waiter.

Hentob
 
Uncleromulus,

As usual, a fabulous review. I can't wait till our first visit to Jiko!
 




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