DH and I were in Orlando for one night last week (returning from Disney's Vero Beach) so I made ADR at Jiko. We arrived early as we had never seen the Lodge. We wandered about for a while, enjoying the views and then checked in for our 6 p.m. reservation. We were seated early, almost as soon as they started seating.
We decided to share several appetizers - Duck and Pork Firecracker; Kalamata flatbread and the Onion, Tomato and Cucumber salad. Everything was wonderful, especially the duck and pork firecracker. The salad was very different with the ingredients marinated in different vinaigrettes which removed some of the harsh flavors of the onion and cucumbers. We enjoyed it very much.
We really had a tough time deciding on entrees -- I really wanted to try the halibut, DH liked the lamb as well as the vegetarian option -- so we both ordered filets!! We were amazed by the portion (very large) and the mac and cheese was to die for -- definitely not my mom's mac and cheese!!
For dessert DH chose the strawberry rhubarb crisp with buttermilk yogurt. It was a wonderful combination of flavors and the buttermilk yogurt added a nice zip. I chose the pistachio creme brulee - I made the mistake of offering DH a taste. Let's just say there was almost a fight!! It was fabulous. Now I'm going to try and figure out how to make it.
We really liked the atmosphere of the restaurant - very relaxing and not terribly loud (your experience may differ). There were lots of children, all well behaved. All in all, it was a perfect way to end our vacation.
We decided to share several appetizers - Duck and Pork Firecracker; Kalamata flatbread and the Onion, Tomato and Cucumber salad. Everything was wonderful, especially the duck and pork firecracker. The salad was very different with the ingredients marinated in different vinaigrettes which removed some of the harsh flavors of the onion and cucumbers. We enjoyed it very much.
We really had a tough time deciding on entrees -- I really wanted to try the halibut, DH liked the lamb as well as the vegetarian option -- so we both ordered filets!! We were amazed by the portion (very large) and the mac and cheese was to die for -- definitely not my mom's mac and cheese!!
For dessert DH chose the strawberry rhubarb crisp with buttermilk yogurt. It was a wonderful combination of flavors and the buttermilk yogurt added a nice zip. I chose the pistachio creme brulee - I made the mistake of offering DH a taste. Let's just say there was almost a fight!! It was fabulous. Now I'm going to try and figure out how to make it.
We really liked the atmosphere of the restaurant - very relaxing and not terribly loud (your experience may differ). There were lots of children, all well behaved. All in all, it was a perfect way to end our vacation.
The food and atmosphere are both excellent.
