The 2002 Epcot Food and
Wine Festival featured the return of many
favorite
events as well as the debut of the
Party of the Senses. Featuring more chefs
dishing up small plate tastings of delicious
creations and wineries pouring their best
as fast as they can, the event is hip
and throbbing to live music.
A
definite highlight of this year's event
was the fabulous dinner at Jiko, the flagship
restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Lodge, that kicked off my visit. Featuring
variations on a South African food
and wine theme, Jiko could be the
poster child for the high standards of
innovation and excellence that, these
days, typify meal at Disney.
We began with an impressive
array of starters, including flatbreads,
cinnamon spiced beef rolls with banana
vegetable dip, and lemon marinated tuna
with beautiful heirloom bean salad and
zough yogurt.
The next course of roasted
corn soup with sliced spinach, yogurt
and a pepper sauce called Peri-Peri hushed
the room. Only after everyone had taken
at least three greedy spoonfuls did we
remember the idea of conversation –
and then it was only to rave about the
sweet, savory, texture and taste perfection
of the soup.
Entrees were equally delicious.
From the seared monkfish with fried
parsnips and tomato butter sauce,
to the roasted chicken with harissa, olives
and garlic with perfect mashed potatoes,
steamed golden bass, and the ultimate
spin on comfort food – grilled beef
tenderloin with cheesy macaroni and red
wine sauce.
And
just when we all thought we couldn’t
possibly eat another bite, out came an
irresistible dessert sampler. Pistachio
crème brulee with a chocolate core…
Tangerine and chocolate won tons…
Chocolate banana bread pudding… Stone
fruit with housemade sorbet. Our favorite?
An incredible concoction of frozen
buttermilk yogurt with pomegranate soaked
figs – rich but light, the best
of both worlds.
Jiko is beautifully done,
and Chef Anette Grecchi Gray has
created a perfect blend of casual elegance,
adventure, and indulgence – echoing
all the notes of the Animal Kingdom Lodge
itself. (february 2003)
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Tel: 407.938.3000
