For the past two years, we’ve stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge for the opening weekend of Food & Wine. At some point during our stay (heck, even when we’re not staying there), we like to stop by Jiko’s bar for some evening drinks and food. One of Matt’s favorite items to order is their Grilled Wild Boar Tenderloin. It is served with Mealie Pap and Chakalaka, and finished with White Truffle Oil and Micro Cilantro.
Grilled Wild Boar Tenderloin with Mealie Pap, Chakalaka, White Truffle Oil and Micro Cilantro, Jiko Ocotber 2011, $16.00
Yes, the portion size is small; it is an appetizer, after all. But if you ask Matt, it is worth every penny. The boar is grilled delicately to a perfect rare and is incredibly tender. Mealie Pap is similar to grits or polenta, and can be prepared creamy or thick. Here, they are prepared smooth and creamy. Chakalaka is a spicy stew of tomatoes, onions, other vegetables, and often beans (although this preparation does not have beans). To compare it to something more familiar, it could almost be thought of as a warm salsa with an element of curry added to it. It really has a fantastic flavor. It’s Matt’s go-to appetizer, and I can’t imagine his disappointment if it were to be removed from the menu.
Buffalo and Pork Boerewors Sausage with Tomato Date Jam, Manchego, Napa Cabbage, and Watercress Flatbread, Jiko October 2011, $12.00
Being the flatbread fiend that I am (and knowing Matt would want to try it as well), I ordered the Buffalo and Pork Boerewors Sausage with Tomato Date Jam, Manchego, Napa Cabbage, and Watercress Flatbread. Boerewors is a South African sausage.
The sausage was a very rich color and was relatively dense. I enjoyed the spices used in making it, and would have enjoyed eating it on its own, or perhaps paired with some of the Manchego cheese alone. While there was a fair amount of green on this flatbread (and I did remove some of the Napa cabbage), there was still plenty of sausage underneath. There was enough for each slice to have a relatively large piece on it.
Yet again, we had a fantastic experience for a relaxing evening at Jiko. Some may be a little nervous about the food there since some of it is unfamiliar, but it’s definitely worth a try. Trying an appetizer at the bar will allow you to experience something new without breaking the bank on a full dinner if you fear you may not like it. I’ve been visiting Jiko since I moved here in 2007 and have never had a bad experience.
If you’ve never been to Jiko, what has kept you from experiencing it? If you’ve visited, what were your thoughts? Do you have any favorite items?
I love Jiko and always try to schedule a dinner there whenever I stay, but for the life of me I can’t think of where the bar is. When I’m by myself I do like to sit at the kitchen bar, is that it?
When you first enter by the podium, just off to the right there is a lounge area with some tables and “comfy” chairs, as well as a very small bar that seats about 4 people. If you’re heading into the main dining area and aren’t looking around, there’s a good chance you’ll miss it. You walk through the area in order to get to the restrooms.
I have been trying to get back to Jikos for years now. I have enjoyed so many great dinners there with my family, but unfortunately my husband is a little picky when it comes to food so I hope we are working our way to make a big return. Thanks for the post! Making me hungry!
I’m sure he can find something on the menu that is a little more tame!
Actually we talked about it last night and he said he’s ready to try anything now. Yay! So I think we’ll have to try it out for our next trip.
Thanks for inspiring me to bring it up again!
Awesome! You’ll have to let me know how it is!
Having been to all the signature dining locations more than once, I have to say that the two best experiences we had were both at Jikos.
Service, food,and atmosphere were nearly perfect.
Jiko is definitely tough to beat!