On Monday evening, our plans brought us to the beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner at its signature restaurant…
I was again tagging along with Paula & Hunter…
But this time we were also dining with another couple who had just arrived at Disney World…
Brenda (emmysmommy) & her husband, Michael (aka emmysdaddy)
The restaurant looked very busy when we arrived for our 8:30 ADR…
We were seated at a table by the open kitchen and in front of the twin tandoor ovens…
We began our evening together with a celebratory toast (courtesy of our dear DIS friend, Linda…aka Linda67)…
This was from a bottle of Graham Beck Brut Rose, a sparkling wine from South Africa. It was very good and a perfect start to a dinner where we were celebrating four birthdays and Paula and Hunter’s 10th anniversary. Thanks again, Linda! 
Then it was time to look over the menu, beginning with the Appetizers…
From this section, Paula & Hunter ordered the Taste of Africa for us all to share…
This included three kinds of bread…
Pappadam, Poppy Seed Lavash, and Naan
…and four dips.
Bhuna Masala (red), Sagh Dahl (green), Moroccan Chermoula (red with green specks), and Kalamata Hummus (tan) – $9.00
I tasted and enjoyed all of these, but my favorite was the hummus. It was delicious! 
And speaking of delicious things, the appetizer which I ordered was also a big hit with everyone who tasted it…
Inguday Tibs in Brik – Mushroom, Spinach, and Cheese in crispy Tunisian Filo with Apples and Curry Vinaigrette – $10.00
This reminded me of the Greek appetizer pastries, spanakopita, however, IMHO these were even better.
While we were munching on the appetizers, we realized that the usual basket of Dabo bread had not been brought to our table so we had to ask for it.
Dabo Bread (Ethiopian Honey Wheat) served with Tandoori-spiced butter
Here are the next two sections of the menu…
While I strongly considered ordering the chicken flatbread and/or the tomato salad for my entree, I ultimately decided against it. I’m not sure, but I don’t recall anyone ordering a flatbread, soup, or salad.
So moving on now to the entrees…
Having had a bad experience here previously with a “fatty” short rib, I eliminated that as an option. I believe that “Nigerian-style” whole fish means with the head on so I passed on that too. I’m not really a fan of either scallops or lamb and I wasn’t feeling the pork loin or vegetarian dish. That left three viable options for me, the chicken, the filet, and the one that I finally chose…
Maize-crusted Monkfish served with Vegetables of the Moment and Tomato-Butter Sauce – $39
I was surprised by how much I liked this. I had never had monkfish before but if this first taste was typical of this white fish then I would have to say that I’m a fan. It was mild in flavor similar to cod, but with a firmer texture. The tasty crust was light and slightly crispy and the tomato-butter sauce was much more enjoyable for me than the ravioli’s tomato broth from the previous night at California Grill.
And that just leaves dessert. I don’t seem to have taken a photo of the dessert menu, but it’s quite possible that we didn’t get to see it because we were given complimentary birthday/anniversary desserts…
In looking at an online dessert menu, I believe this was the Kenyan Coffee Crème Brûlée topped with a Madeleine with Coriander Glaze (however, it could have been just regular creme brulee, not listed on the menu)…
I don’t remember too much about how this tasted so I’m just going to say that this was okay, nothing memorable.
Although the service here was spotty, the food and the company made this a great meal. We were having such a good time that before you know it we were the last people there, which made for some great empty restaurant photos…
I had not been to Jiko for a few years, but this dinner has convinced me that I need to try to squeeze in a return visit here in October.
Taste of Disney 