Jeff Houck

The Tampa Tribune’s food writer since 2005, Jeff Houck covers the way people live through their food. He also hosts the Table Conversations food podcast and believes that everything crunchy is good.

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Lions And Tigers And Pears, Oh My [Lowry Park Zoo Dishes Up Great Food At Zoofari]

Posted Nov 7, 2009 by Jeff Houck

Updated Nov 7, 2009 at 01:14 PM

What’s that?

That’s the seafood ceviche you could be eating if you went to Zoofari tonight.

The Lowry Park Zoo’s 23rd annual food festival fundraiser takes place from 7-11 p.m. tonight. One major change: The Baldwin Connelly “Rhino Club” (a VIP-level ticket) moves to the Safari Lodge, the zoo’s new 17,000 square-foot indoor events facility.

For one ticket price, guests sample food from 60 restaurants from around Tampa Bay. (Did I mention the open bar? Good.)

The 2008 Zoofari “Best in Show” winner Ceviche returns, hence the seafood in the top photo.

Come to think of it, that trophy would be an excellent serving container for heaping amounts of cured seafood. I’m just sayin’.

The 2008 “People’s Choice” winner, GrillSmith, returns as well, along with such vendors as First Watch, Longhorn Steakhouse, Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ and G. Elliot’s Brunchery and Catering. Newcomeres include Giordano’s, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery and Datz Deli.

Entertaining the throng will be the Gainesville-based band Sister Hazel. You might know them from this song:

Entertaining the festival also will be Jason Young, Nate Najar, Alan Darcy, Grupo Havana Swing.

Oh, and The Vodkanauts:

Artwork also will be for sale at the Art Safari, as well as during a silent auction sponsored by Frame By Frame Galleries. 

The artwork is done by animals that use brushes, feet and noses on canvas with non-toxic paints as part of their enrichment program.

Tickets are $85 at the front gate. VIP/Group packages featuring early admission at 6 p.m. are $140 in advance by phone, and group packages are available.

Artwork also will be for sale at the Art Safari, as well as during a silent auction sponsored by Frame By Frame Galleries. 

The artwork is done by animals that use brushes, feet and noses on canvas with non-toxic paints as part of their enrichment program.

Tickets are $85 at the front gate. VIP/Group packages featuring early admission at 6 p.m. are $140 in advance by phone, and group packages are available.