This September, visitors to Woodland Park Zoo are invited to savor, sip and save wildlife at WildBites. September 6th from 5pm to 8:30pm, guests can enjoy delicious bites from some of Seattle’s most talented chefs, visit with the zoo’s wildest animals and it all benefits the Woodland Park Zoo and its conservation efforts.   

Each chef will be preparing two bites (snack-sized dishes) for visitors to try. This year’s lineup includes:   

Chef Ethan Stowell of Ethan Stowell Restaurants:

Stop by Peacock Plaza and enjoy bites prepared by Ethan Stowell executive chef at Travolata, Staple & Fancy Mercantile, Ballard Pizza Company and Goldfinch Tavern. He will be offering Chicken Tikka Masala and Grilled Eggplant Skewers.   

Chef Edouardo Jordan of Salare Restaurant, JuneBaby and Lucinda Grain Bar:

Visit the Banyan Wilds where you’ll find Chef Jordan, winner of two James Beard Awards in 2018, cooking up his Tuna Bowl and Carrot Escabeche Tartine.  

Chef Melissa Martz of TanakaSan and Chef Tori Mann of Lola

In Australiasia you’ll find Tom Douglas-trained Chef Martz and Chef Mann serving Chilled Melon Soup and Vegemite Caramel Corn.   

Chef Quinton Stewart of Ben Paris

On the Northern Trail is where you’ll find Chef Stewart, 15-year veteran of the restaurant industry sampling Smoked Steelhead Trout  and a Dungeness Crab Tostada.   

Chef Jack Timmons of Jack’s BBQ

Head to the Northern Meadow for some good ol’ Northwest BBQ with Chef Timmons serving Beef Brisket and House Made Pickles.   

Chef Derek Simcik of Conservation

In the African Village you’ll find Chef Simcik whose international influences will add pizazz to his Beef Biltong and Foie Crumble.   

Small Bites:  

-       Tickets are available for $75 for general admission and $125 for premium. Premium includes early entry, a souvenir tasting glass and premium gift bag, 2 tickets to return to the zoo, and an extra drink ticket. Get details on the tickets and purchase here.

-       It is recommended that tickets are purchased in advance. If the event does not sell out, tickets will be available for purchase that day.

-       Want more? The Rain Forest Pavilion and Gather + Graze Cafe will both be open to purchase more food, along with wine, beer and cocktails.

-       Have food allergies? Are you a vegetarian? Participating chefs have been encouraged to offer a vegetarian dish. All common allergens will be listed with each bite.

-       During the event ALL animal exhibits will be open to visit. It’s a great opportunity to visit the zoo’s animals after-hours.

-       To learn more about all of the wonderful things that your ticket purchase will benefit, check out the Woodland Park Zoo’s mission here.