Oh the Tragedy! No Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake this time! Updates x 5 9/30

[Angeejoe]

Awesome start to what sounds like a wonderful trip with friends! I'm excited to read more & it's so cool to see it from 3 perspectives! Thank you for sharing

 

[Aristocath]

Awesome start and look forward to following along!

 

[wdwluvrs]

Brenda nice to see you were able enjoy another fantastic trip were still sticking with your Dream suite report as well.

Jiko Dinner - Monday April 28, 2014​

Michael and I were kicking off our dining adventures with one of my favorite Signature restaurants – Jiko. This was a convenient choice since it was our arrival day. Not having to take transportation, other than an elevator downstairs, was nice, so thanks to our dining companions for indulging us in this request. We had arrived at AKL a few hours earlier and had just received our luggage so we were rushed to get changed and downstairs to meet up with our dining party.

We met up with Paula, her husband Hunter, and Barb who had already been seated by the time we arrived. Michael was introduced to everyone since this was his inaugural dining experience with a group of DISers. We had a nice surprise from Hunter who presented us with a box of hand-made chocolates and candies. Being a chocolate lover, I think Michael was pretty excited about these goodies. I believe he may have eaten 2 entire boxes during the trip.

Oscar was our server. He was nice and friendly although a bit forgetful. He didn’t remember what people ordered not long after and missed a few things. Not that my memory is fabulous but if you are not going to remember you may want to carry around a little pad of paper! Just sayin’. Poor guy, I should give him a break since I can barely remember what I had for breakfast.

There have been some changes to the menu over the course of the last year such as the bobotie is now a duck version instead of the beef that I had tried before. The salads and flatbreads had also undergone an update. In particular, the Jiko salad that previously had bitter greens, goat cheese, and walnuts with a citrus vinaigrette now included summer greens, watermelon, blueberries, almonds, and feta with a lime-date vinaigrette.

Menu

The other menu photos I have a cruddy so if you want to see some great photos and Barb’s Jiko dining review – see here!

Barb announced that she was ordering a bottle of sparkling wine for the table compliments of Linda (Linda67). We ended up getting a nice Graham Beck brute rose. We toasted to getting back together with friends and special celebrations since it was Barb’s birthday the day prior, Hunter’s birthday was in less than 2 weeks, and I had celebrated my 50th birthday a couple weeks earlier. It was also Paula and Hunter’s anniversary on May 1st so there was a lot to celebrate. Michael was just happy to be there!

Hunter and Paula requested two orders of Taste of Africa, which is an assortment of breads and dipping sauces to share with the table. The basket contained 3 types of breads – naan, poppy seed lavash, and pappadam. The 4 sauces that accompanied the breads were; buhna masala (red), sagh dahl (green sauce), Moroccan Chermoula, Kalamata hummus (my favorite). If they only served the naan bread with the olive hummus I would have been completely satisfied. The buhna masala had a spicy edge and was delicious as well.

Taste of Africa

Michael ordered the tomato/spinach salad as an appetizer. It looked fresh and tasty. However, this was a tiny salad for $15!!

Allan’s Mozambique Tomato Salad: Heirloom tomatoes, peaches, avocado, spinach, arugula, and goat cheese $15

Michael and Hunter ended up ordering a second appetizer to share – the Tibs and Brik.

Inguday Tibs and Brik: Mushroom, Spinach, and cheese in crispy Tunisian Filo with Apples & Curry Vinaigrette $10

After waiting until we were nearly finished with the Taste of Africa sampler, Oscar delivered a basket of the regular bread. I had some of the Ethiopian and honey wheat focaccia with flax seed with a generous slathering of the tandoori butter. Oh so good!

Bread Basket:

For our entrée orders, Michael went with the lamb and I stuck with the beef short ribs that I had loved the last few times. I figured why mess with a good thing. That and the fact that once I land on something that I really enjoy it is hard to pry me away from that choice. Case in point my GF Café breakfast choice that has not changed in the last 9 visits to WDW! (Barb, you know what I mean since you seem perfectly happy with a repeat performance of the French toast as well.)

Michael’s lamb dish looked pretty tasty…. It was either a small portion or delivered on a large plate. I tend to go with the small portion theory. According to Michael, this was awesome.

Lamb Two Ways: Baby Brussels sprouts, pumpkin seed duqqa, grilled olive ciabatta, and mango demi glace $39

As for my short ribs, the photo is a little misleading since it looks like there was an oversight in the kitchen and they placed a chunk of meat on a dirty sauce-splayed plate. It looks like a hot mess. However, the short ribs were good although perhaps I’ve had them too many times that they are losing their amazingness. For comparison, the short ribs that are served at some of the other WDW restaurants are larger. In fact, Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel at DLR area has a huge portion of short ribs for the same price. Jiko may be pushing it with their Signature pricing for snack size portions.

Spicy Botswana-style “Seswaa” Beef Short Ribs: Cassava potato puree, Sambal, mushrooms, and fava beans $42

So after complaining about the portion size relative to price, I couldn’t finish all of the short ribs so encouraged Michael to be my clean up man. He isn’t really a short rib fan so I don’t think he ate much.

Our server presented us with complimentary desserts which were mini crème brulees with a madeleine each topped with a flaming candle for the 3 birthday celebrations – Hunter, Barb, and me. There was a 4th one for Paula for their anniversary but she gave that to Michael. I forget if it was good or not in fact I didn’t take a photo other than the server delivering dessert so that part of the meal is a blur. Chalk it up to having a long travel day perhaps.

We ended up chatting and enjoying each other's company so long that we were the last guests out of the restaurant that night and didn’t leave until around 11:30pm. I was able to get some decent photos of the restaurant without dirty dishes and patrons. Since it is a dark room it is hard to get low light photos without a flash.

Wood fire pizza ovens

This was a nice start to our Disney dining for the next 11 days!

Next Up: Tusker House Breakfast

​

 

[klacey1]

Following along, per usual! Those short ribs look fantastic.

 

[Jaegermouster]

thanks for sharing such great information. My family and I will be looking forward to more comments and reviews!

 

[Roma]

Hi Brenda!!

I am so glad you are doing a dining review for this trip! I love that you were able to go on a trip with just Michael (even though it is sad that Emmy couldn't be there!). I think WDW is such a fun place for couples.

I have to say that the lack of Ooey Gooey Toffee cake kinda scares me... . I'm not sure I could handle a trip without it. I'll look to you to see how it is done haha.

Mr. Roma and I have not been to Jiko... but I think we will try it next time. Mr. Roma has a new found love for naan bread, so I may be able to convince him to go based on that alone.

 

[francis6306]

Hello! I am over here now! I can't believe that you went without Emily… But I'm sure that you and Michael had a wonderful time!

That Jiko meal looks yummy!

 

[jstkpswimming]

Joining in!

My DH and I went to Jiko last month for the first time and loved it! He was the brave one who ordered the whole fish (snapper, I believe). It was a little disturbing having the fish stare at me the whole time, but I was consoled by my filet with mac n' cheese

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Wonderful! I'm looking forward to more!

 

[MEK]

I have decided to actually follow a dining report since I am starting from the beginning and Jiko is one of my favorites although my last meal there was just OK for signature dining. I agree that the portions seemed on the small side.

Those chocolates. OMG - to die for!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I had subscribed the other day and I'm getting caught up now.

The no ooey gooey toffee cake title just ripped me apart. Because I finally had it for the first time in May, and I can't imagine not having it every time we go.

Those chocolates look divine!

As a general rule of thumb, I think you need to have a good memory to be a server. And to your point, if you don't, write it down for pete's sake!

Wow! That is indeed a tiny salad for $15!

I'm all for repeats when you know something is good. Why mess with success?

 

[emmysmommy]

No Ooey Gooey? I simply cannot read this report..

Oh, go on then...

Hmmmm....love Jiko! Can't wait to read the rest of your reviews!

Thank you for joining!!

Can you believe it? I was robbed ... I'll get to that shortly.

Great start to your report with your Jiko review! I'm so glad that you guys had included Jiko in your dining plans, as it gave me the the needed incentive to give it another try. On my previous two visits there (last in May 2012) I had not had much luck with finding an entree that I liked. But I guess the third time's the charm, because I really enjoyed the maize-crusted fish. So anyway, thanks for reintroducing me to this great restaurant.

Hi Barb! I am glad that we were able to start our trip with a very nice meal. The best part was starting off with such a warm welcome from you and Paula. It was like a little reunion. (And better than some family ones!)

We had a great evening - evidenced by closing down the joint!

Subbing again!! Can't miss your always entertaining reviews!!

Neal

Hi Neal! Thank you for joining in. I'm so glad to see you here.

food looks great keep it coming

Thank you!! I will actually get some updates done tonight.

Looks like it was a nice,relaxing dinner. Will have to think about this one.

Thank you. We have started our trips with a Jiko dinner a couple times now. Definitely one of my newer favorites. I loved some of the new items that we shared.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your dining reports!!

Thank you so much. You are so kind.

I have run into a few Dis'ers while at Disney, but have never gotten together for dinner plans!!

It looks like such a fantastic time! I hope one day to "run into" fellow board stalkers like myself for drinks or dinner in the near future.

I'm thinking that I may be too focused on food if I can't let a meet go by without a meal. It is always so nice to meet up with new Disers!!

Great Jiko review.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

thanks Lori!

Awesome start to what sounds like a wonderful trip with friends! I'm excited to read more & it's so cool to see it from 3 perspectives! Thank you for sharing.

Thank you! Glad to see you joining! It was a great kick off dinner.

Awesome start and look forward to following along!

Thanks and I'm glad you are here and reading along!

Brenda nice to see you were able enjoy another fantastic trip were still sticking with your Dream suite report as well.

Hi there and thanks for joining this one as well!

I've got to get that Dream Suite wrapped up - it's been 9 months. People could have had a baby in that time. Oh, wait, Vettegirl has

Following along, per usual! Those short ribs look fantastic.

Hi Kylie. Thanks for joining. Those ribs were pretty tasty!

thanks for sharing such great information. My family and I will be looking forward to more comments and reviews!

Hi Jaegermouster! Cute user name. Thank you for joining! I'm glad that you are reading and interested in my perspective.

Hi Brenda!!

I am so glad you are doing a dining review for this trip! I love that you were able to go on a trip with just Michael (even though it is sad that Emmy couldn't be there!). I think WDW is such a fun place for couples.

I have to say that the lack of Ooey Gooey Toffee cake kinda scares me...I'm not sure I could handle a trip without it. I'll look to you to see how it is done haha.

Mr. Roma and I have not been to Jiko... but I think we will try it next time. Mr. Roma has a new found love for naan bread, so I may be able to convince him to go based on that alone.

Hi Roma! I'm so glad to see you here. Thanks for joining!

We were both sad to leave Em behind. We missed her. However, it was very nice to make Disney memories with my hubby.

Ha ha! Wait until you see my reaction.

I think you would love Jiko. The naan bread was a new thing for us with the dipping sauces. It was excellent! I'd love to see your tandem review of that place.

Hello! I am over here now! I can't believe that you went without Emily… But I'm sure that you and Michael had a wonderful time!

That Jiko meal looks yummy!

Hi Christen! I'm SOOO glad to see you here. Thanks for joining!!

I know, I feel like a neglectful mother not taking my kid to WDW! Michael was an eager back-up.

I just saw your July trip! AWESOME. I think you'll be there earlier in July than us. Darn again!

Joining in!

My DH and I went to Jiko last month for the first time and loved it! He was the brave one who ordered the whole fish (snapper, I believe). It was a little disturbing having the fish stare at me the whole time, but I was consoled by my filet with mac n' cheese.

Hi there and thank you for joining jstkpswimming!

I'm glad you loved Jiko! I agree, a fish head staring at me may make me a little creeped out! However, I'm glad to hear the filet is back and paired with the mac and cheese. I've had the filet in the past but it was with a pilaf that was just ok.

Wonderful! I'm looking forward to more!

Thank you! I'm glad you are here and joining in.

I have decided to actually follow a dining report since I am starting from the beginning and Jiko is one of my favorites although my last meal there was just OK for signature dining. I agree that the portions seemed on the small side.

Those chocolates. OMG - to die for!

Hi there Mary Ellen!! I'm so very glad to see you here! Thanks for joining my dining review. I'm honored.

Jiko was for Denny's birthday right? Sorry the meal was just ok, that's disappointing.

I had subscribed the other day and I'm getting caught up now.

The no ooey gooey toffee cake title just ripped me apart. Because I finally had it for the first time in May, and I can't imagine not having it every time we go.

Those chocolates look divine!

As a general rule of thumb, I think you need to have a good memory to be a server. And to your point, if you don't, write it down for pete's sake!

Wow! That is indeed a tiny salad for $15!

I'm all for repeats when you know something is good. Why mess with success?

Danielle!! Thank you for joining in. See? You know the tragedy here!

If you ask my Packer fan hubby (had to slip that in there - go Pack) he'll tell you that all three boxes were lovely!

Exactly! Get your pen. Get your paper. And write down my order. I will remind you a time or two but come on!

Yep, miniature salad for $15. I'm telling you they should show photos of the portion sizes before you order so you're not caught unaware.

 

[emmysmommy]

Tusker House Breakfast - April 29, 2014​

This morning we had a character breakfast with Paula and Hunter at Tusker House inside Animal Kingdom. This is one of Paula’s favorite breakfasts so I was glad that we were able to shuffle a few ADRs around and have this land on a morning that worked out for all of us.

Once checked in there was no line for photos AND there was NO DONLD out front to pose with guests. What’s the point then? They want to sell you a photo standing against the wall of a building? May as well make it interesting huh? The photopass guys were funny and good natured since we were giving them a hard time saying that we wanted Donald out there for our photo. Apparently he’s now inside greeting guests.

We didn’t have a long wait although during the wait it was enough to encounter an angry family that was embroiled in some argument. Of course we were seated next to them and their collection of kids.

They guys hung back to place our drink orders with the waiter while Paula and I headed to the buffet. I embarked on a photo safari to capture as much of the food as I could without being intrusive for the guests storming the buffet.

Tater Tots

Mickey waffles

Breakfast potatoes

Carved Ham

Basmati rice

Sweet potato coconut casserole

Quiche

Bobotie

Apple Turnover

Crumb Cake

Cinnamon Rolls

Fruit cobbler

While we were gone the characters started to circulate and we missed Daisy and Donald. Michael quoted my copyrighted phrase, “hey Donald, where’s your pants?” Yes, he received the usual “I’m so embarrassed, I have no idea how I left home without those.” Apparently Daisy received some special attention from the guys as well including a group kiss from the guys. This Kodak moment was also shared on Facebook.

So about that food. This was Michael’s first time dining at Tusker House and my second. I liked it better this time for some reason even though they got rid of the full size Krispy Kreme donuts and opted for donut holes instead. Seriously, donut holes are no replacement for a full size Krispy Kreme donut. Come on Disney. Let’s move forward a step in the food category instead of back a step. My opinion only of course. We were there at the cusp of change over from breakfast to lunch service; however, I focused on the breakfast offerings.

I was able to see the Mickey waffle machines in action. They had an open kitchen concept going on with those things. If nothing else, you know they had fresh waffles churning out of those things.

The command center of Mickey waffle making. Magic happens here folks!

My 3 plates and 1 bowl were separated by the OCD method of the savory can’t mingle with the sweet. And even further craziness… anything with syrup can’t mingle with other items so those Mickey waffles had their own special plate. Although not intentional, I had a little hidden Mickey going on with my donut holes.

Here’s my breakfast selections:

My savory plate had tater tots, basmati rice, beef bobotie, and ham and cheese frittata.

Oatmeal

What did I think of the food? Let’s start with the area of needs vast improvement and move on. The beef bobotie was not to my liking. At all. I’m not a fan of curry or whatever.

I LOVED all the options from the kid’s section. The tater tots were crispy, hot and delicious! Of course I adore Mickey waffles so I had a special plate just for those. The ham and cheese frittata was good – not amazing or anything but worth having some protein.

You can’t really mess up oatmeal unless you are The Wave but that will await another review so for Tusker House, it was fine.

Michael adored the coconut-sweet potato casserole. I remembered sampling that last time and not liking it so much. So…. to each his own. He took a bite of the cinnamon roll and declared it dry and stale. Assuming my cinnamon roll came from the same package 4 days ago I thumped my cinnamon roll with my fork and when it had a resounding thud I wisely left it alone to age further in all its staleness.

So let’s see, rice, oatmeal, bobotie, waffles, tots, donut holes, and frittata – I think I covered it all. Oh wait… the passion fruit, orange, and guava juice also known as POG juice was awesome as always.

Next Up: Tusker House Part 2
​

 

[emmysmommy]

Tusker House Breakfast - Part 2 - April 29, 2014


We had more characters come around and more fun. Daisy refused to sit in Hunter’s lap – admonishing him to behave. If she could only talk I’m sure she would have said, “say what?” Paula and I gave some love to Mickey.

And now for the collection of character poses. All of the characters came around at least twice so we posed more than once with each. We were starting to see some three times I believe and by then we were ready to wave them on.

Kisses for Goofy

Someone accosted a duck. You’ll have to match the hand to our travel party but I can tell you that you can eliminate me from the suspect list.

Using our TiW card we saved $12.

This meal was actually better than last time. Perhaps it was the fun company and those awesome tater tots. Whatever the case, I'm glad that our first breakfast of the trip included Mickey Waffles!!!

Next: Yak & Yeti Lunch​

 

[emmysmommy]

Yak & Yeti Lunch - April 29, 2014​

While this officially falls into the dining review category, I should warn you that there wasn't a whole lot of dining to report on my end.

While we were hanging out at AK park this day, lunch was at Yak & Yeti, one of my favorite places to each lunch. I’ve eaten here several times and never had an entrée since the appetizers do it for me – especially the egg rolls and pot stickers. Dessert is another reason that I keep coming back but let’s see how that worked out! Michael had been here once before and enjoyed it.

Once checked in and seated at Yak & Yeti I received a business call that I was expecting. I took it outside and while I was trying to save my business unit (an exaggeration of course) my hubby and friends were trying to show me the menu through the window and appealing to me to come back inside. I’ll spare the details here.

It’s so very helpful to show me the menu through the window.

I think I needed a cocktail after the work drama but drink orders were already placed and my hubby had a Diet Coke waiting for me.

Here’s the menu not viewed through the window

Did I mention that I wasn’t really hungry since we’d eaten the large buffet breakfast only a few hours earlier? I was hoping to be able to order at least an appetizer since I love the egg rolls and pot stickers. However, after dealing with work, add in the heat, and then the fact that I wasn’t truly hungry – lunch for me was a complete fail since I didn’t eat anything. I couldn’t even justify ordering the lovely fired wonton dessert. Darn! However, Michael ordered the tuna salad which he had enjoyed last time. It was fresh and to his liking this time as well.

Ahi Tuna Salad: Chilled, Seared, Blackened Ahi Tuna, Mixed Greens, Wasabi Aioli, Wonton Crisps, and Ginger Dressing $19.99

Group photo

The fried wontons are one of my favorite desserts in all of WDW. The cream cheese filled wontons with the vanilla honey drizzle and skewers of pineapple and strawberries are Ahhh-mazing. (I won’t fight anyone for the scoop of vanilla ice-cream, they can have it.) After 5 visits to Y&Y I hadn’t failed to order this dessert … until now. As disappointed as I was that I wasn’t hungry for lunch, I has to pass on dessert as well. Other than a fortune cookie!
The fortune cookie messages were money centric… mine was “time is money” interesting since I was on vacation and working.

Paula picked up the tab and paid for lunch! Thanks Paula!

The celebrating couple

And the gal who had a “working lunch” with more working than lunch.

Next Up: Yachtsman Steakhouse Dinner
​

 

[kastoney]

Catching up on tusker and yak n yeti. Tusker is the only buffet on property I actually like so sorry you didn't love it. Then again I love curry and all those strange spices. If you go again try the Pap. It's a sweet corn concoction kind of like grits, but way better. I could,d eat a whole bowl of it, though sadly now sans Krispy kremes. Last time we were there we refused to have our picture taken without Donald. I'm clueless as to why they continue to peddle this without him.

Still haven't popped the proverbial yak n yeti cherry yet but may try and pop in for desert only at the bar next trip. We have an amazing authentic Chinese restaurant close to our house so to eat anywhere else would be like cheating, but as they do not serve desert I'm sure wontons would be allowed ; )

 

[jabead]

If my October trip ends up being longer than a week (which I think it will), then I'm going to include a visit to Animal Kingdom. If I do then I will probably start my AK day with breakfast at either Boma or Tusker House. I was leaning toward Boma, and your TH review has me leaning even more. I've never been to Tusker House, so it was nice to see all of your great buffet photos. Thanks for taking the time to take them! While the character interaction there looks like fun, the food doesn't look all that special. I think I should wait until after your Boma review though to make up my mind.

As for Yak & Yeti, I'm extremely disappointed that I didn't get to see a cocktail, egg rolls, pot stickers, or fried won tons...nothing, zip, nada. I guess I'll let you off the hook this one time though.

 

[disney meema]

Is this permanent that Donald will not be in the picture as you arrive Tusker House? If so then boo to that but I must say you all do look great without him : ) I never noticed the Mickey waffle irons so that was cool to see those. I like a buffet here and there but I think I'm lazy since I prefer to order, yet tusker house is always on our trip plans. Loving all your character pictures of all of you and it gives me hope that my husband and I will not feel strange taking pictures without our 8 grand kiddies.
Continuing to enjoy reading along ...

 

[disney meema]

Just read your Yak n Yetti lunch .... Oh double tragedy dessert trip! No ooy gooy toffee cake & No cream cheese wontons!!! Love the menus against the glass while your on the phone (( funny ))

 

[disneyquilter]

Hi Brenda!! So glad I found your newest dining report masterpiece through Paula Your reviews are always awesome!!

Jiko looks awesome! We have never been there and hoping to one day. And Yak & Yeti is one of my favorite meals...so sorry you had to work through it - that always sucks rocks.

Can't wait for more!!