Consider this the dinner you should have before the show - the show that is the Disney blockbuster "The Lion King." I took Ann Kelly's Kitchen on the road to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge to enjoy dining at Jiko - The Cooking Place to check out the Lion King inspired menu.
The dinner is a very special experience with a look into the world of Simba and his journey, complete with a toast to The Circle of Life. This dinner is a Prix Fixe menu at $65 person, and I do suggest adding the wine option to your dinner. The wines from South Africa were excellent and paired perfectly with the three course menu.
We were seated in the Wine Room at Jiko with lighting that made it feel like sunset, and began this culinary journey with something I’ve never tried before and wasn’t quite sure I wanted to - bone marrow. But truth be told I loved it! Beautifully presented with young Cedar Creek Clam Malata, new potatoes and pomegranate it was as visually stunning as it was pleasant to the palate. Then...the entrees!
There are two to choose from so my guest and photographer Ashley Greco and I each chose a different one and shared - I had the Lobster Sosatie complete with red shrimp, squid, mussels on top of a lovely rice with Cape Malay curry that had just the right amount of heat. Ashley had the Bone-In-Ribeye with hisbiscus nettles and fregula. Now if you’re wondering just how all this ties in to The Lion King you can track journey with the assistance of a special menu they will happily hand you.
The meal ends in a celebration with a dessert that celebrates the stress-free philosophy that Simba learns from Timon and Pumba on his journey to lead the Pride Lands. Another visually stunning creation from the Disney chefs that was almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. Our thanks as well to Disney cast members Nathi and Thandi and the “Circle of Life” serenade that was as wonderful as dessert.
The Circle of Life dinner at Jiko is available for a limited time, so don’t let the sun set on the spectacular celebration of food, wine and the life of the Lion King. For reservations call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM ANN KELLY’S KITCHEN
It’s the Circle of Life, and it moves us all, through despair and hope, through faith and love, ‘till we find our place on the path unwinding - Rafiki
*All photos property of Ashley Greco #brandambassador
Sign Up
