Chef Edouardo Jordan with guests at WildBites 2019.Courtesy of Woodland Park Zoo
After taking a year’s hiatus from their popular and well-attended WildBites event series, The Woodland Park Zoo announced today they are returning later this year as the pandemic starts to subside. Rather than a single event that matches restaurants with bars, this year’s iteration will be a 4-part after hours series matching Seattle’s best chefs with local whisky distillaries.
Proceeds from the event go to furthering the Zoo’s mission of actively fighting species extinction globally: “As if it could get any sweeter, every bite you take helps ensure a brighter future for our planet. This adults-only event is inspired by the zoo’s mission to save species—each ticket sold raises funds to help save wildlife in the Pacific Northwest and around the world.”
Each Thursday night in August, attendeed will be able to wander through the zoo after houes and taste the fare of four different chefs and different distilleries per night. The entire zoo will remain open so patrons can visit all of thier favorite animals while sampling and sipping.
Whiskey & WildBites tickets are $95 and include complimentary bites crafted by some of Seattle’s premier chefs, six tasting tickets to sample whiskey expressions offered by premier distilleries, two beverage tickets to be redeemed for a full pour of beer or wine, animal experiences located on the zoo’s North Meadow, and uncrowded access to all zoo exhibits.
Specialty desserts will be prepared nightly by Executive Chef David VanGelder of Levy Restaurants and Woodland Park Zoo
Whiskey & WildBites All-star Lineup:
Featured Chefs:
August 5
Donna Moodie / Marjorie Restaurant
Victor Steinbrueck / Local Tide
Bella Sangar / Sri Bella
Eric Tanaka / Dahlia Bakery
August 12
Mitch Mayers / Sawyer
Rachel Yang / Joule
Chester Gerl / Gracia Cocina Mexicana
Jason Stoneburner / Stoneburner
August 19
Maximillian Petty / Eden Hill Restaurant
Travis Post / Plenty of Clouds
Nicco Muratore / mamnoon Restaurant
Eric Donnelly / RockCreek
August 26
Renee Erickson / Willmott’s Ghost
Edouardo Jordan / JuneBaby
Eric Johnson / Stateside
Ethan Stowell / Ethan Stowell Restaurants
Distilleries:
August 5 & 12
Starward Australian Whiskey
Copperworks Distilling Company
BenRiach Distillery
Fremont Mischief Distillery
Whidbey Island Distillery
August 19 & 26
2BAR Spirits
Penderyn Distillery
Saint Liberty Whiskey
Heritage Distilling Company
Tickets are on sale now at zoo.org/wildbites.
