The Zoological Society of Florida and the Host Committee are planning two wild evenings to celebrate wildlife and tantalize your palate with tastes of the most extraordinary dishes created by some of South Florida’s renowned fine food establishments.
The second annual Beastkeeper VIP Party will take place on Feb. 4, and the main event Feast with the Beasts (FWTB) will happen on Mar. 4. Proudly presented by U.S. Trust, both events will help support the Zoological Society of Florida’s wildlife education and conservation programs on behalf of Zoo Miami.
Taking place at the private residence of event co-chair Irene Korge and Chris Korge on Feb. 4 from 7 to 11 p.m., the Beastkeeper VIP Party will be vibrant as guests are invited to wear safari chic attire, with a touch of red, to celebrate the upcoming Valentine’s Day. Aside from open bars, cool jazz tunes, and complimentary valet parking, revelers also will enjoy exotic animal encounters from Zoo Miami.
Exquisite fare will be served from fine restaurants including: Caffe Abbracci, Junior’s Catering, La Bottega, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Smith and Wollensky, Truluck’s, and Zucchero Ristorante-Bistro. 2 Girls and a Cupcake, Hot Cookies and The Office Cake will be satiating sweet cravings with delectable desserts.
An extravagant silent auction will include such items as signed Guy Harvey artwork, jewelry from Mary Louise Designs, acupuncture treatment from Coral Gables Acupuncture, a Napa Valley wine-tasting tour and much more. Admission to the Beastkeeper VIP Party also includes entry to FWTB at 8 p.m. with a VIP Cocktail Reception at 7 p.m. on Mar. 4.
The main event, Feast with the Beasts, returns to Zoo Miami on Mar. 4 from 8 p.m. until midnight. In its 18th year, one of the best events in town will feature tastes from 30 of South Florida’s finest restaurants and caterers, eight open bars, wild animal encounters, live entertainment and complimentary valet parking.
To date some of the FWTB participating restaurants and dessert providers include: Crepe Maker, Dave and Busters, Fit2Go, Gatsby’s Kendall, Gekkeikan Sake/Sidney Frank Importing Company, Kitchen 305, Mango Café, Pardos Peruvian Cuisine, and Sir Pizza.
Even after all of the wining and dining on Mar. 4, every guest is invited to Ron Magill’s Spectacular Dance After Party from 10 p.m. to midnight at Dr. Wilde’s World plaza. Live entertainers and the hottest deejay in town playing the latest tunes will make the party unforgettable.
“We are so excited to be celebrating the 18th year of the legendary Feast with the Beasts event,” said Norma Jean Abraham and Irene Korge, FWTB chairs. “We are honored to chair both evenings, and hope to raise much-needed funds for the Zoological Society of Florida.”
Feast with the Beasts 2011 is presented by U.S. Trust. Other event sponsors include: Assurant, Bernstein Global Wealth Management, FPL, Ryder Charitable Foundation and United Property Management. In-Kind Sponsors are Owen Creative and Irene Korge.
Limited Beastkeeper VIP Party Passport tickets are available for $500 each. These passport tickets include admission to the VIP Party on Feb. 4 as well as to FWTB and the VIP Cocktail Reception on Mar. 4. Admission tickets to FWTB, limited to the first 1,000 guests, are available for $175. Those planning on attending should make advanced reservations. Sponsorship packages also are available.
Visit <www.fwtb.org> or call 305-255-5551 to purchase tickets or for more information.
The Zoological Society of Florida is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that supports Zoo Miami through education, conservation and outreach programs; marketing and public relations; volunteer services and financial support for the construction of new exhibits.
Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St. General zoo admission is $15.95 for adults, plus tax and $11.95 per child (3-12) plus tax. Children 2 and under, zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4 p.m.
For more information visit online at www.zoomiami.org.
