Overall Rating = A-
Note: All A ratings were given to superior gourmet food. A+’s were only given to food that actually made us make noises of joy. In my roommates’ case, anything that made her cry (in a good way) got an A+. Above average, very respectable food received B ratings. C’s were average food that was a cut above McDonalds. D ratings are of the processed, fast food variety and F’s are things that I would not feed my dog.
SERVER - (Tommi) First, Tommi
is a girl and a very fun one at that. She was very helpful and knowledgeable
of the dishes and how they were prepared.
NOISE LEVEL – Low. The tables
and booths had enough space and the room was not conductive to echoes.
KIDS – Only about ¼ of the
tables we saw. Still well behaved. What a treat.
ATMOSPHERE – (Rated BEST ATMOSPHERE
2001)
Incredible. I really wish I had a
picture here but even that does not do this restaurant justice. Glass
walls look out onto the savannah while large, stylized metal birds soar
overhead. A “performance” kitchen oversees one side of the space
while tables and booths line the other side. While dark, it is relaxing
as well. The whole resort is fabulous. Please see the trip
report day that matches this for Lodge details.
COST - Moderately Expensive
$$$
NOTES: Thanks to the various DIS’ers and their previous reviews. They helped me (a) select this incredible restaurant and (b) choose some of these dishes. Jiko is a DEFINATE return and recommendation!
Duck Firecracker with Oyster Dipping
Sauce - $9.25 (B+)
These are a combination of hot and cold
“spring rolls” with duck meat. The hot one is deep fried, the cold
has the original wrapping. They were not too spicy. I prefer
the traditional cooked one. The cold one was a bit chewy.
Smoked Bacon and Onion Flatbread with
Curry Yogurt - $7 (A+)
A wonderful blend of flavors, just fabulous.
The bacon lends a slightly smoky taste. The cheese is mild and the
sweet onions blends just right.
Lobster Dumplings with Lentil Broth
and Pawpaw - $10.25 (B+)
This was more of a lentil soup with a couple
lobster won tons in it. While it was nice, the lobster meat are the
thin bits from the claw/tip and not the choicer body pieces. The
legumes are in a light broth and make a nice, healthy soup.
Roasted Butternut/Acorn Squash Soup
with Farmer Cheese - $6.50 (B+)
A bit spicy. A nice blend and the
seeds, though a tiny bit tough, have a nice flavor. Not for the “bland
food person”.
Beef Tenderloin with Macaroni &
Cheese and red wine reduction - $28.50 (A)
(Rated 1st place – BEST MEAT/STEAK 2001)
Sounds a bit strange but this is the best
steak I have had on property (including all of my 3 trips). It was
served on a bed of white cheddar Mac & cheese. Very creamy and
a nice compliment to the meat. The wine reduction sets off the meat
to perfection. The steak was firm, juicy, with exquisite texture.
Horseradish Encrusted Salmon with Purple
Rice and Vodka-Orange Sauce - $22.50 (A-)
Very lovely. A fabulous treat.
The rice and the sauce were an excellent compliment to the fish.
It could use just a touch more horseradish on the outside.
Cardamom Chocolate with Ganache, Macadamia
Nuts and Caramelized Orange Sauce - $6.25 (A+)
(Rated 1st place – DESSERT 2001)
Excellent! Small bites of chocolate
heaven. These resemble small fried won tons stuffed with a cardamom
(the spice in chai) flavored chocolate ganache (similar to a truffle only
not as dense), enfolding a macadamia nut. They are deep fried, sprinkled
with powdered sugar and served with an orange sauce for dipping.
INCREDIBLE!!! Not enough to share. You will want to eat them
all.
Pumpkin Marscapone Cheesecake with
Cinnamon Malt Vanilla Sauce - $5.75 (A-)
Very nice. Not too sweet or too heavy
on the pumpkin or the spice.
Safari Martini - $6.50 (A-)
This featured a sweet South African liqueur.
A different martini. A touch of sweetness, an interesting cocktail.
to AKL Resort Food Page