Rosamond Gifford Zoo

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Gourmet Dinner Series

Featuring savory dishes skillfully prepared by Executive Chef Dan Hudson.

Must be at least 21 years old to attend.


Beasts, Brews, and BBQ

May GDS Thumb

Friday, June 23, 2023 | 6-9 p.m.

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APPETIZER DISPLAY

  • Deviled eggs
  • Cheeseballs and toast points
  • Pigs in a Blanket
  • French onion dip in a bread bowl
  • Pineapple hedgehog
  • Party punch bowl (beer, vodka, tequila, pink lemonade mix; citrus and maraschino cherry ice ring/garnish)

COURSE 1 (plated)

  • Grilled shrimp ("shrimps on the barbie") on a (grilled) watermelon salad w/arugula, feta, pickled red onion, balsamic glaze

COURSE 2 (family-style) 

  • Smoked pork ribs w/sweet and spicy dry rub ("Memphis dry")
  • Baked beans w/smoked onion & bacon
  • Cucumber/tomato/onion salad

COURSE 3 (family-style)

  • Beef brisket w/Dinosaur BBQ Sensuous Slathering Sauce
  • Smoked mac and cheese
  • Broccoli salad w/bacon, onions, raisins, sunflower seeds, creamy dressing

COURSE 4 (family-style)

  • Pulled-pork sandwich w/Carolina BBQ sauce and quick-pickled cucumbers
  • Coleslaw
  • Fresh corn salad

COURSE 5 (plated)

  • Individual pineapple upside-down cakes

Experience an outdoor evening BBQ paired with refreshing beers from Willow Rock Brewing Company that celebrates the arrival of summer and the amazing creatures of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo! This dinner will be hosted in the courtyard, weather dependent.  Please dress accordingly.  

RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!


Previous Gourmet Dinner Pairings


Savoring the Flavors of Spring!

May GDS Thumb

Friday, May 12, 2023 | 6-9 p.m.

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Course 1 - Crostini with wildflower honey, whipped lavender goat cheese, and candied pecans

Course 2 - Mushroom soup with crème fraiche and chives

Course 3 - Grilled rack of lamb, mint pea puree, onion marmalade, pea shoots

Course 4 - Apricot-glazed duck breast, with wild rice pilaf, and asparagus tips

Course 5 - Blueberry and lemon tart, garnished with edible flowers

Flavors of South Africa paired with South African Wine

April GDS Thumb

Friday, April 28, 2023 | 6-9 p.m.

Savor the flavors of South Africa  and learn about the creatures that originate from this geographically diverse region – our charismatic meerkats and inquisitive Cape porcupines!

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Course 1: Oepsies – Bacon-wrapped candied cherries served with barbecue sauce

Course 2: Peri Peri Shrimp – grilled shrimp marinated in peri peri sauce served over white rice

Course 3: Cape Malay Curry – braised chicken spiced with mild masala. Served with roasted potatoes, carrots and onions

Course 4: Lamb and Green Bean Bredie – lamb braised in tomatoes with green chilies and green beans

Course 5: Malva Pudding – traditional South African pudding made with apricots topped with a cream sauce

Marvelous Mardi Gras Medley paired with Rum

February GDS Thumb

Friday, February 10 | 6-9 p.m.

MENU
Oysters Rockefeller — oysters on the half shell baked with bread crumbs, lemon, parsley, and butter

Muffuletta sandwich — a true New Orleans original —  made with Italian charcuterie and a spicy olive spread on soft bread

Shrimp étouffée — shrimp stew made with the Holy Trinity of celery, onion, and green pepper, dark roux, and Cajun seasonings; served over white rice

Fried catfish — crispy fried catfish filet, served over maque choux, a classic Cajun dish of corn, peppers, onions, and spices

Bananas Foster — bananas cooked in a brown sugar butter sauce and flambéed with rum, served over vanilla ice cream

King cake — this vibrantly colored cake is baked with a special surprise inside–whoever finds the surprise wins the prize!

March GDS Thumb

Friday, March 24, 2023 | 6-9 p.m.

MENU
Course 1: House made sushi rolls

Course 2: Seared scallops with melted leeks, micro greens, and brown butter lemon vinaigrette

Course 3: Honey-garlic shrimp skewers, napa cabbage, carrot, red onion, slaw, with ginger & peanut dressing

Course 4: Local coho salmon, roasted fennel, onion and tomato, with pistachio gremolata

Course 5: Lemon mousse


Gourmet Dinner Pairing Photo Gallery

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