The Cooking Place--Jiko

[ducklite]

We're flying in next Friday, getting in in the early evening. We figure we'll be a little tired, need something to eat but don't think we'll want a big meal.

We're staying at the AKL, and want to just stay put for the night. Due to my food allergies, Boma doesn't work well for us.

We're thinking about dining at Jiko, and just asking to sit at the counter at the Cooking Place and ordering appetizers. We don't have a PS, we were hoping we could just walk in and be seated. Has anyone done this? Any comments?

Our backup would be to eat at Victoria Falls, has anyone done this?

Anne

 

[jel0511]

Anne - when we stayed at AKL last year, we had PS's at Boma. While walking past Jiko one afternoon on the way to the pool, I looked at the menu. It looked AWESOME, and we decided to eat there instead. There was a CM at the podium and I asked him if we could eat there that evening. He said to just show up close to opening, and it wouldn't be a problem, even without a PS. So, if you can get there around 5:30 or so, you shouldn't have a problem. I also believe you can order appetizers in the bar of Jiko if you can't get a seat at the Cooking Place, that would be a good alternative. I'd do that over heading to Victoria Falls, the appetizers from Jiko are to die for, especially the Kenyan Barbecue Chicken Pizza!!!!

 

[disney queen]

another vote for jiko and the pizza!!! yum!! i will have that sometimes instead of an entree. wonderful!

 

[stinkerbelle]

the beef filled wrap thingies...Crispy Cinnamon Spiced Beef Roll...those are so yummy!

we've never tried the pizza...we'll be sure to on our next trip down!

 

[Scratch42]

Geez, it seems like forever, anywhoo.....

We had reservations for 8:00 and the counter was empty. I don't think there would be a problem.

Enjoy! We sure did!

Scratch

 

[bunnyfoo]

When I did a tour of Jiko and Boma last May, our tour guide told us that it's usually pretty easy to get a seat at the counter. I haven't tested that out yet... but when I was there in December on a Saturday (about 7PM), the place was pretty busy but there was no one at the counter. My favourite appetizer is the olive flatbread ... yum! The desserts sounded really tasty too but I hadn't saved any room

 

[Safari Steve]

The cooking place rocks my socks! You can order anything from the menu there, not just limited to tapas. I must agree with the reccomendation of the Kenyan Coffee BBQ Chicken flatbread, as well as the Spiced Beef Rolls (must be eaten with their banana-veggie dip) and the Cucumber-tomato-onion salad.

I've always been surprised at how many people would rather wait for a regular table. Seeing the preparation and getting to talk with the chefs is a much more unique and memorable experience.

 

[ducklite]

Thanks for the input everyone! We've eaten at Jiko many times, eight, nine now? So we are quite familiar with the menu.

We don't even get off the plane until 5:30, so getting there when Jiko opens isn't really going to be an option

We're just not sure we'll want a large meal with all the trappings, we're thinking that after we check in, we can head down to Jiko at our leisure and sit at the Cooking Place and order some appetizers to share.

We do love the cinnamon beef rolls, yummy! I also like the cheese platter, and there are a few other items we really enjoy.

I guess the big question is, do you need a special reservation to sit there, or is it first come, first served.

We really like watching the chefs in an open kitchen, and the idea appeals to us as an informal first nights meal. We are eating there again later in the week as well

Anne

 

[Safari Steve]

No reservation for The Cooking Place.

 

[Zurg]

HUGE VOTE FOR JIKO

I love the place and the Cookeing place is great fun.

 

[susy]

When we ate at Jiko, we did just appetizers (& wine) and it was wonderful!!!!! I don't think it will be a problem at all. Have fun!!!!