What to drink at AKL?

[susy]

We have PS's at Boma (dinner and breakfast), Jiko's, and plan to have a drink by the pool. What kind of wines should we try? I don't like anything too dry. Looking for non-alcholic drink suggestions as well.

 

[cassie]

I've tried a few of the African wines and they were very good. O'Douls na beer is available.

 

[icelady]

DH ask's the waiter to pick the wine and has always been happy.

 

[Beanie]

The only drink I had at Bomas was called a Lolipopo!! It was a frozen mixed drink that was blue! LOL...Very tasty!!

 

[eeyore1226]

While at AKL in July my husband and I decided to have a bar drink while at the pool we both ordered something with vanilla ice cream and banana in it - I can't remember what it was called but it was good although very little alcohol - I mean VERY little. At almost $8 each I was dissapointed and wouldn't order a bar drink out there again but it was a hot day and it was cold and tasty.

 

[MelissathePooh]

I feel somewhat torn about this as I know that the wine selections offered at AKL are outstanding, but I cannot bring myself to support those wineries. The South African wineries, in particular,are so horrible with their employees that I just can't do it - the rate of premature births and developmental difficulties among infants in that area is astronimical. The wineries pay their employees partly with wine itself and the alcoholism among the workers is almost 100% - therefore the rate fo fetal alcohol syndrome is about the same among live births. Since I found this out I simply can't bring myself to support any of the wines. Not that my decision has that much of an impact, and I'm not sure what a good solution would be, but it is a tragic situation as if there isn't enough tragedy there already.

As good as I am sure the wines are - we stick with beer and other specialty drinks.

 

[susy]

Do they actually have a pool bar outside by the pool? Do they have an indoor bar/lounge that is separate from the restaurants? Both the blue drink and vanilla ice cream drink sound good. I'm not into alchohol, but I will try something different on vacation. Thanks Melissa for the info on the African wineries!

 

[Gillian]

There is an outdoor pool bar & a lounge inside the lobby. Sorry I can't recommend a drink!

 

[MelissathePooh]

http://wdwig.com/menu/menu_uzima.htm

There is a link to the pool bar menu - I couldn't find anything for Victoria Falls lounge (the inside bar), but we've had a cocktail there before and aside from their specialty drinks they have a full bar.

Hope that helps - have fun!

 

[zurgswife]

We tried a few of the African Wines at AKL recommend by the wine steward and enjoyed them all....

 

[cassie]

MelissathePooh,

I haven't heard that. Where did you get that info? It makes me double think about buying the wine. Thanks for the info.

 

[*Flower*]

If you're going to be at Boma anyway- try the Frunch!!

It's a mixed fruit juice drink, and I order it whenever I eat there!!

I find it really refreshing on a hot day....

Enjoy!!

 

[jennymouse]

Originally posted by MelissathePooh
I feel somewhat torn about this as I know that the wine selections offered at AKL are outstanding, but I cannot bring myself to support those wineries. The South African wineries, in particular,are so horrible with their employees that I just can't do it - the rate of premature births and developmental difficulties among infants in that area is astronimical. The wineries pay their employees partly with wine itself and the alcoholism among the workers is almost 100% - therefore the rate fo fetal alcohol syndrome is about the same among live births. Since I found this out I simply can't bring myself to support any of the wines. Not that my decision has that much of an impact, and I'm not sure what a good solution would be, but it is a tragic situation as if there isn't enough tragedy there already.

As good as I am sure the wines are - we stick with beer and other specialty drinks.

I didn't know this either. I've never been a wine drinker anyway, now I've got a good excuse not to drink any there.....what's that blue drink called again?

 

[Tesabat]

Just feel the need to elaborate a bit more on MelissathePooh's statement...

The practice of paying workers part of their wages with surplus wine has been officially banned by the South African government.

It is the PAST practice of paying farm workers partly with surplus wine that has created a high-incidence of alcoholism among women who drink regardless of pregnancy. This in turn has created the highest incidence of children born with fetal alcohol syndrome in the world.

Wine is still available at incredibly cheap prices. Because the women are alcoholics, they can easily consume 2-3 bottles a day - and because it is so cheap - they can afford it despite the fact that they live in very impoverished conditions.

US News and World Report did a feature article on this and their take was that South Africa's past laws created this situation, yet the government is doing little to help. FAS children are born into alcoholic families, are nursed by acoholics, and end up acoholics themselves at a very young age. There are not enough programs or government assistance to break the cycle. If I remember correctly, the only "assistance" in place was that the the wineries must show proof that they've abolished the previous payment system, and have adequate conditions for their employees, in order to apply for their export license to sell wine abroad.

I also wanted to note that it is not ALL South African wineries that did this in the past, nor continue to support the cycle of alcoholism by selling wine cheaply to the local workers. There are many that refuse to sell wine to their employees, only for their workers to go down the road and purchase it from other wineries. It's a complicated situation that WILL take the intervention of the government to help correct, especially considering there are about 300,000 people ( workers and their families ) involved.

 

[NUHusky]

Haute-Cabriere Pinot Noir available at Jiko's. Simply awesome with their lamb shank.

 

[susy]

Sad news, guys! I am sick! Coughing all over the place. Hoarseness... I am seeing the doctor in the morning. I am not taking any chances, since we live in a week! Sooooo... if I am on medication, I probably won't drink anything much. Not that I am a drinker anyway (I get tipsy from half a glass of wine and I hate it!)

I just thought it would be fun to try some drinks on vacation. Hopefully, I' ll be better by then!

Dh looked like he was getting pink eye, but his eye looks better this evening and he has no discharge. Maybe he just got some dirt in his eye (he works in construction). DS is getting over his illness. He was very sick with a sinus infection and croup. I thought I would have to cancel and I ended up not taking a job offer. I've decided to stay home. So much stress lately, no wonder I am sick! Sorry for rambling!