Jun 4, 20162 min read

45th Annual Beastly Ball Preview

We are one week away from the Grand Beastly Ball at the Los Angeles Zoo. This event is said to be the most important fundraiser by the L.A. times and one of the best parties in L.A. by KCBS TV news and I was invited to the preview. Don't worry I was not dinner for the beasts tonight, but I did try some beast inspired bites.

The Ball sounds like a fancy Gala, but guest are invited to dress in safari casual attire as they stroll through the zoo after hours chatting with keepers and observing animal feedings and enjoying the entertainment like dancing and of course the food! So wanna know What's for Dinner? Let me Show You!

All Dishes are inspired by the Beast of the L.A. Zoo

El Cholo – Los Angeles, honors the beautiful Tortoises with a green Chile Tamale

Hard Rock Café - Hollywood, Honors the plant eaters of the zoo with an Herbivore Urban Salad served in little mason jars

Jersey Mikes sub was inspired by the South American Bush Master a venomous pit viper species

Celestino Ristorante (Pasadena) honors the zoo's hedgehogs with an orange zest filled cannoli

Canele (Glendale), Buttermilk House Catering (Pasadena),

as a tribute to the zoo's Calamian deer canele is serving their ricotta cake affogato

Antonio's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant (Sherman Oaks),

It's not hard to figure out what animal they've chosen to honor, but just in case you're having a hard time figuring it out - It's a salute to the Hippos with meatballs and bruscetta

The zoo's very own Taste of the Wild Catering were inspired by the elephants of Asia with a dish they call Cambodia's Curry Brisket & Cucumber Sandwich

The Federal Bar (North Hollywood), serves a "Tapir Tuna Toast" black pepper crusted Ahi tuna on crispy toast served with avocado sweet pepper relish and cilantro creme