A loaf of bread, a jug of wine and…pandas

Don’t miss what has become a spring tradition and one of the premier culinary events in Washington, D.C.—ZooFari. Taking place at the National Zoo on May 20 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and hosted by the Friends of the National Zoo, ZooFari 2010 will bring together more than 100 of the D.C. Metro area’s finest restaurants, 15 wineries, live entertainment and thousands of hungry guests supporting animal research and conservation.

“The lovely outdoor Zoo setting, incredible line-up of local restaurants and wineries coupled with the underlyning theme of saving endangered animals sets Zoofari apart from other fundraisers,” said Bob Lamb, executive director of FONZ. 

ZooFari 2009 (Photo by Mehgan Murphy)

ZooFari 2010, themed “A Panda Bear Affair” in celebration of the Zoo’s commitment to giant pandas, gives guests a chance to mingle with top chefs, including R.J. Cooper from Vidalia and Michel Richard from Citronelle, and sample their restaurants’ offerings.  “Top Chef” contestant and Zaytinya chef Mike Isabella also is participating in this year’s event, while Food Network celebrity Duff Goldman, star of “Ace of Cakes” and owner of Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes, will judge teams of local pastry artists creating Zoo-themed cakes.

A variety of musical groups will perform at ZooFari 2010, including the James Bjork Trio, the Steve Scott Project, and Stone/Wright. Guests can participate in a silent auction for a chance to take home treasures ranging from animal-created artwork and fine wines, to behind-the-scenes tours of the Zoo and vacation getaways. In addition, the Zoo is hosting an online auction from April 26 through May 16 on BiddingForGood.com. Bidders can choose from more than 150 auction items, including field research with Zoo scientists, cooking classes and sports tickets and memorabilia.

ZooFari raises critical dollars to support many Zoo initiatives—new and improved exhibits as well as conservation and research programs dedicated to the survival of giant pandas, Asian elephants, tigers and other endangered animals.

Tickets for ZooFari are available at a range of proces and can be purchased individually or by table. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit FONZ online or call (202) 633-3034.  The event takes place rain or shine.

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Inside the National Zoo with Director Brandie Smith Fifty things we’ve learned about the Earth since the first Earth Day Mike Maslanka had a farm… An elephant-sized Thank You!