Jiko Review with Pics!

[nutz4dzny]

First a little background. We dropped our son off to college at UCF this trip. We stayed at AKL Concierge and we did not go into any Parks. We spent this day moving him in from 9 Am until 6 PM. Made it back to AKL and showered and literally made it to Jiko's with 1 minute to spare. Now we were starving! We had not stopped or eaten anything since early that morning. Brain came back with us and this was one of the BEST meals we had. Jiko's is tied with CG and V & A as our favorite and it did not disappoint.

We had a great water view table.



We know the Chef and he came by our table to congratulate Brian and we let him choose our meal for us. He was right on with everything. We started out with an appetizer sampler. I did not see this on the menu but he arranged for us to sample 4 things. He noted our likes and dislakes and knew we were hungry. We had Duck and pork Firecracker, Crispy Cinnamon Spiced beef Roll, Lentil Pastilla and Maize Tamales, (Truffle Oil, fine herbs, Maize Pudding wrapped in Corn Husks) The sauces really made everything!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d609b3127cce8d2c8e6ec0eb0000001610

Next we shared an appetizer of Roasted Warm Octopus with Tomato-Caper Salsa and Pea Shoot Salad. It was very good. I don't care for Calamari and told Chef Nick that but he said octopus when cooked correctly will have the texture and consistency of Filet mignon. He was right! It was good and the sauce it came with was excellent as was the Pea Shoot Salad.

As for the wine, I don't care for whites so I mentioned this to Nick and he suggested 2 reds. I tried the Kanu, Stellenbosch '00 Merlot but it was a little too complex for the main entree I was having. I also tried the Fairview "Primo" Paarl '01 Pintotage and it was perfect for my entree. My DH also had this wine and he agreed that it was just right.

I will continue this in a reply:

 

[nutz4dzny]

Our entrees:

I had the Whole Roasted Yellowtail Snapper with Saffron-Mango Vinaigrette, Roasted Corn Cobb and Tomato Wedge. It was so good I wanted to lick the plate!!!!

our DS had the Signature Dish.....Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon with Macoroni and Cheese and Red Wine Sauce. Cooked Medium Rare to perfection. You could literally cut it with a butter knife!

Mu DH had the Pomegranate-Glazed Quails stuffed with saffron basmati Rice, Organic Greens, and Braised Beet Salad with Pomegranate Dressing....Wonderful, every bite was a burst of flavors that was incredible!

We were so full we could not partake of desserts. Chef Nick did stop by before we left with a nice card from the staff wishing Brian well in his Medical Career. Some signed it in their native African tongue! That was very nice. Anyway...this was a 10 out of 10. Everything from the service to the food was perfect! We can't wait to visit Jiko's again in the Fall. Hope you enjoyed this Review!

 

[Uncleromulus]

All I can say is "WOW"!!!

 

[TwingleMum]

I remember your earlier post re: missing your son when he goes to college. Looks like you had a wonderful time with him. Great review looking forward to more posts.

PS. we're staying at AKL in Nov and really would love to try Jiko but with 3 DS under 3 I think they might be too disruptive. It looks wonderful.

 

[Rneighh]

So amazing how two people can have totally different opinions of things. We HATED Jiko. We found the food bland, atmosphere dark and stark, service terrible. We will never go back.

Renee

 

[alaskantwinks]

Hi Ntz4dzny! Congrats to your son for going to medical school! My sister is a nurse, and I have three nieces getting into the medical field, and one of my nieces just got her PHD! We are so proud! Anyway, I wanted to thank you for sharing your wonderful reviews and photos of Jiko! We are already doing an "adult" dinner without the kids at the California Grill, so I don't know if we would do another, but I will definately keep it in mind for future trips! The way you described and portrayed them sounds yummy!! I love trying new dishes and it looks like they use a lot of flavors and mix a lot of different spices into their food. Thanks again!! alaskantwinks

 

[danny1649]

Good post and great photo's.

 

[Muffy]

Great review of Jiko! Congrats to your son!

 

[Mich Mouse]

Congratulations to you and your family on your son's decision to enter the medical field!! I guess since he is in Florida there will be many more Disney trips in your future !!

We also LOVED Jiko and it is our absolute favorite Disney restaurant. The food, atmosphere and service are unparalleled.

 

[disboo]

We celebrated my son's graduation from a different Orlando area school by taking the whole family group to Jiko, and it was perfect evening for us! The food was delicious, the staff was impeccable, the desserts were out fo this world, and it was quiet enough for the grandfathers to hear everybody! We loved it. The wait staff also signed a card for our son! I can't wait to go back to Jiko again some time!

Thansk for the great pictures - and your son is quite handsome!

 

[SamSam]

Yummers!!! We also enjoy dining at Jiko's and after reading your reviews I can hardly wait till we're able to dine there again. Thanks for the great descriptions and wonderful pics.

 

[Minniespal]

Wow!!!!

 

[Forever a Princess]

Thank you for your awesome post and pictures of Jiko.

DH and I loved this place. We can't stop talking about Jiko.

Best wishes to your son.

Renee

 

[lonegungirl]

Thanks for the great reviews and pictures! I'm glad I'm not the only person who enjoys taking photos of great meals...

 

[nutz4dzny]

I called my son and after his first week in College he said he LOVES it! Now I feel much better!

Rneighh - I know exactly what you mean! There are some restaurants that people love on these Boards and we have such a miserable time at some of them we don't go back! That why it is so nice that they have sooooooo many restaurants at WDW! Sorry you had a bad experience at Jiko's.