Got up relatively early and made it to DHS. Did ToT, skipped Rock and Roller (too old for that unless my daughter makes me), walked by Toy Story and their 90 minutes wait. Then Muppets and a ride on Star Tours. No pics because forgot to charge the batteries (My Bad). Done with the Studios headed back to the bus stop and my home away from home.
Changed into the bathing suit and headed to the pool bar. Ordered a cocktail and a bag of chips. Decided to take a dip in the pool and when I get back, SOMEONE IS IN MY SEAT. Kim apologized and the guy offered to move. Grabbed my chips and left in a huff. Actually it was no big deal and just took another seat. Of course I kidded Kim about giving up my seat. More good conversation with the bar crew and patrons.
When I was headed to DHS I asked at the front desk about the Culinary Tour of Boma and Jiko. It happens every day at 4:00. No reservation needed, just show up at Boma. Decided to do the tour and after drying off, went to change and head down to Boma.
One of the many paintings and other touches that make AKL special
Show up and there are two ladies that were also waiting. A Boma staff member greeted us and took us into the restaurant. One of the neat things is that the tour is conducted by people who live in Africa. Asked if pictures were OK and he said sure. Some of the things I found out...
These pillars represent African Tupperware. The pots that make up the pillar are used to store food. Interesting contraptions. Buried in the dirt, cooler foods stay cool and warm foods stay warm.
Boma means a fortress or “safe” area. Hence the fences that are seen around the tables and throughout the restaurant. Keeps the lions out. Although I don’t think these will actually keep a determined lion from snacking.
The buffet line and the kitchen as they were prepping for dinner
Don’t know why but I didn’t get a picture of the different lighting fixtures above the tables. I asked him about it. One symbolizes the fire of the cooking pit and the other and more brighter on the outer parts of the restaurant symbolized the lights beckoning people to the Boma.
Now it was feeding time. We were offered one of three (or two?) soups. I opted for the corn chowder. Really good with lots of flavor. After soup, it was over to the desert station for you guessed it Zebra domes. Not a desert or chocolate fan but these are good. They use Amarula, an imported liqueur from Africa which can be pretty potent. Of course the alcohol is cooked out during the baking process so no drunk three-year-olds are stumbling around Boma.
From there we were escorted to Jiko. Met by a nice young lady for their section of the tour.
The chefs were doing prep work for the flatbreads and appetizers
Birds?
These rings symbolize status in the community. Mothers wear them for the number of children they have. (How Many?) The Village Chiefs also wear them.
The oven for the Flat Breads
We were given a sampling of the breads (pappadam, whole wheat lavosh and Naan) and dips. Really tasty. She warned us that one of the dips was pretty spicy. I found it had lots of flavor and some spice but not really hot. Favorite Bread was the Naan. I love bread and this was good stuff.
One of the neat things about the tour was the interaction with the guides. The young lady that gave the tour of Jiko came from a family of 13. When she was young, she was sent to a school many miles away. During the week she lived at a hostel associated with the school. Weekends she did not have a place to stay so either went to friends places or took a long bus ride home. Not an easy childhood. She is taking a break from college to work for Disney and is studying Hospitality Management in Nairobi.
So after that, needed to eat at Jiko. She suggested I go to Guest Services to get a reservation. So I went to see and they referred me back to the restaurant because they can not make reservations this close to the restaurant opening. Huh? Instead, decided just to take my chances at the restaurant.
So headed back to the room to relax and shower. Cleaned up and rested headed back to Jiko. Checked at the hostess station and asked if I could be seated at the “Chef’s Bar.” It was relatively slow due to the weather that night. They said sure, have a seat at the lounge and we will call you. Sat at the bar and ordered. Chatted with the Bartender and the other patrons.
Told the Bartender I was eating at Jiko and asked if he had any wine recommendations. He went through the list and told me to wait a minute and see if they had anything else open. They had two bottles available that were not on the by the glass list and he let me taste them. One (which I forgot the name) was really good. He told me to tell the waiter to see him and he would make sure I got it. Another example of a CM going out of their way to make sure their guests had a good time.
Soon was called and headed to the table. One of the chefs was the guy that made our flatbreads, the other was from the Northwest. I feel uncomfortable eating alone but this was a perfect place. The chefs were interesting to talk to and my “bar” mates were either solo or couples so the conversation flowed. Lots of fun.
For dinner I had the Braised Short Ribs. WOW. Very flavorful with some spices I am not used to. Enjoyed it anyway. Unfortunately I purposely left the camera in the room so no pictures. Unusual for me because the kid always makes fun of me when I have to take food pictures. For dessert I ordered Amarula Creme Brulee. Was pretty full so I asked if I could just get it to go. The waiter came back and said no, because the chefs were so proud of the presentation. He did say that he could bring me a box and if I wanted to ruin the presentation, I was welcome to do so. Tasted it and it was good and gleefully wrecked the presentation to take to the room.
The bill was high but worth it. Don’t have the exact amount but the entree alone was $41. Would I eat here again? You bet.
So fat and happy it was off to bed and pixie dust dreams.
Today was another good day. A quick trip to DHS, the pool, culinary tour and Jiko for dinner. Beats a kick in the head any time.
Sorry about the lack of pictures. My Bad again.
Up Next: Epcot and more pool (bar) time.
- is at Jambo. He's said he's staying at Kidani. What's he talking about? 
The aging brain. 
But I guess CJ's room proves that I'm simply not making things up in my head. 
It made me laugh that DVCers might have been complaining about that view for them to move it over to Standard - looks nice to me. Hmmm. 
. In fact, it might happen again this year with the BW NYE reservation - long story. (I just realized that this fact does nothing to ease your thoughts of a jinx!)
