Jiko and Animal Kingdom Lodge
Trip Start
Aug 12, 2008
1
3
7
Trip End
Aug 17, 2008
Orlando,
Florida,
United States
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Lobby
We decided to pre-pay for a deluxe dining plan. With this plan, each of us ordered one appetizer, one entree, and one dessert at every sit down and signature Disney restaurant. On this first evening, we had reservations at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurant, Jiko. This restaurant specializes in African inspired cuisine. We drove ourselves to the Lodge, and the grand lobby entranced us with its leaf like chandeliers and animal adornments. We walked outside, observing lanky giraffes dine on tall tree specimens and African birds posing for pictures. The ambiance of Jiko inspired romance and intimacy.
Outside
Our greeter led us to an enclosed dining room, called the wine room. This cozy area sparked tender feelings between myself and my husband, and we ordered an entire bottle of South African Sauvignon Blanc to celebrate our 5th anniversary and the end of a grueling summer semester. Philip and I both ordered the fillet mignon, drenched in an indulgent red wine sauce with a macaroni and cheese concoction swimming in the savory goodness of the sauce. I have been prompted to discover my own rendition of the same, in order to re live the gratification of this culinary experience. For dessert, I ordered a cheesecake with lavender ice cream. The flavor of lavender colored my taste buds in aromatic satiation. I wish I could eat lavender ice cream every day of the year! 
