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Interview with Chef Shane
Imagine your employees or clients enjoying cocktails in the Reptile House and dessert surrounded by our majestic elephant herd! Over 150 businesses and organizations already take advantage of this beautiful and, most importantly, affordable option for entertaining each year. And now those options are expanding.
In The African Forest there are even more opportunities to host your guests, now in the setting of equatorial Africa. The most picturesque venue in Houston will be in the new chimpanzee viewing building. Parties can also be hosted in the Village, in the Twiga Terrace restaurant and on The African Forest Plaza. You can also rent the entire African Forest for your group!
The best part about using the Houston Zoo for your event is that it‘s turn-key. Our event professionals will take care of all of your party’s details, while the Houston Zoo’s own Chef Shane will help prepare a feast that meets your culinary needs.
Catching Up with Chef Shane
Since the Zoo has become one of Houston’s entertaining hot spots, can you give some examples of unique dishes you have created for specific events?
We’ve produced some awesome events, with really impressive food. One that comes to mind is Feast with the Beasts in the Bud Light Lounge. We made all items on that menu cooked with Bud Light beer! The mini beer-brats on a pretzel bun were my personal favorite. I think it is appropriate to have a menu to reflect our diversity. We’ve created indigenous dishes from Africa, Asia and Brazil, to name just a few.
As the chef you obviously manage the menu and preparation of the food but you really are involved much more than that.
Tying all the components of an event to the location is the goal. After the menu comes together, I turn my focus on how we're going to display the items. I want to be as unique as the venue is, so I try to find things that aren't your ordinary way to put things together or present them. The goal is to have people’s reaction be one of, "Holy cow! They did that at the Zoo?"
When you think about African Forest and the potential for events, what are some of the things that get you most excited?
I'm really excited about the back drop for our events -- the actual exhibits themselves. The designers have done a top notch job creating them. Even before we saw The African Forest completed, it was blowing anything I've seen at other zoo's out the water! It will be fun to work off of that as our inspiration, for both the décor and the menu.
Will there be any new African themed menu items?
In anticipation of The African Forest opening we've already bought a bunch of rustic decor and designed menus, keeping in mind that we want people to try new foods, but it's got to be familiar to them. We're doing twist on known foods that are but cooked with indigenous techniques and flavors.
With the new restaurant in The African Forest being so close to the medical center do you see it as a new lunch option for visitors and employees?
Absolutely. With the diversification of our new cafes and stands, why wouldn't you want to come over, grab a bite, and sit and watch the chimps on your lunch hour?
