Zoobilation

So first let me start by saying today is my 200th post!! Wahoo!! And second if you are not from Indy you probably looked at the title of the post and said what in the world is Zoobilation? Well basically it is a foodie adventure in the zoo. No seriously. It is a black tie fundraiser held at the zoo featuring over 70 of Indiana’s finest restaurants and bars. Now when I say black tie I say that loosely because some people dressed to the nines in tuxes and formal gowns, some wore cocktail dresses and suits (the route we took), and others well they wore tux tops, cut off shorts and converses. To say it was a place to people watch was an understatement.

Walking into Zoobilation, I didn’t know what to expect other than I wish I was one of those people sometimes who could just eat food, enjoy, and not really give it much thought after that. But we all know from my Facebook & Twitter page, Instagram, and Pinterest I am not. So before every bite I tried at each station a picture had to be taken. Prepare your foodie eyes on this….

Arni’s Pasta Palooza (Penne noodles tossed with chicken, mushrooms, fresh spinach, garlic in a sun-dried tomato Parmesan cream sauce) and Stuffed Mushrooms

Cadillac Ranch’s Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers(didn’t even come close to the real version at Bonefish Grill) 

and Ahi Tuna with crunchy wontons

 

Capital Grille’s Lobster Mac and Cheese

Eagles Nest’s Rack of Elk in a Cabernet Reduction and Root Vegetable Mash

Flemings Roasted Mushroom Ravioli with Porcini Butter Sauce (I was looking forward to this the most because mushroom ravioli is my favorite – sadly I was a little let down)

Hilton Garden Inn’s Asian Ceviche on a Won Ton Chip (had a huge kick but the chip balanced it out quite nicely)

Hollyhock Hill’s Fried Chicken, Whipped Potatoes with Gravy, and Sweet Pickled Beets (now this was my all time favorite, I don’t know if it was the Southerner in me, but I haven’t had fried chicken like this in a long time and that gravy was divine)

Rick’s Cafe Boatyard’s Oysters Rockefeller

Sangiovese’s Torta di Caprino – baked goat cheese pie served with crostini (I was a little let down that this is all an Italian restaurant would bring to this event)

Sullivan’s Steakhouse Filet Mignon Kabobs with Mashed Potatoes with Gorgonzola Garlic Butter (John’s favorite of course – meat & potatoes)

Sweet and Savory’s Bourbon Chocolate Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce (okay I lied this was John’s favorite – he made a point of making sure I had a couple of bites so I could recreate it, it was quite delicious)

Which led me to the realization I was so stuffed from all the savory foods that I missed out on a lot of yummy desserts…I will be more prepared next year.

Us with the Wearren’s