Brookfield Zoo Is Making Animal Lovers Swoon With Its Valentine's Packages

Submitted by the Brookfield Zoo.

BROOKFIELD, IL — Tired of the same old Valentine’s plans? Well, if you have an animal lover in your life, head to Brookfield Zoo for a romantic Valentine’s dinner on Saturday, February 11.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a reception featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the zoo’s Underwater Viewing Gallery at Seven Seas, where you can enjoy watching the bottlenose dolphins. An animal care specialist will be available to answer questions about these incredible marine mammals.

Afterwards, board the heated Snowball Express for a short, cozy ride to the zoo’s Bocaditos dining room for a delectable four-course meal beginning with the chef’s popular butternut squash soup and a traditional Caesar salad. An intermezzo of lemon sorbet served in a frozen lemon rind bowl precedes the main course of petite filet and lobster tail accompanied with dauphinoise potatoes and a fresh zucchini basket stuffed with zucchini, carrots, and squash. A vegetarian option of spinach and cheese ravioli with a vodka sauce is available. The meal concludes with a scrumptious Marjolaine featuring two layers of chocolate meringue filled with white chocolate mousse and dark chocolate ruffles. A premium bar package and wine and champagne offered at dinner are included. Following dinner, enjoy dancing to music provided by a DJ until 11:30 p.m. The cost for the Valentine’s dinner is $225 per couple.

In addition, on Sunday, February 12, Brookfield Zoo is offering a Valentine’s brunch for you and your sweetheart, or bring the entire family for a fun-filled day. The elaborate all-you-can-eat brunch held in the zoo’s Discovery Center begins at 11:00 a.m.

Menu items being served include assorted Danishes, muffins, and croissants; eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce; buttermilk pancakes; bacon and sausage links; butternut squash soup; Caesar and mixed greens salad; roasted vegetables; garlic mashed potatoes; peel-and-eat shrimp; smoked salmon; lox and bagels; herb-roasted free-range chicken; grilled lamb kabobs; made-to-order omelettes with all the fixings; and a carving station featuring round of beef with port wine sauce and Virginia ham. Be sure to save room for the decadent sweet table of chocolate fondue dip with fresh fruits and assorted pastries. Coffee, tea, and juice, as well as champagne for adults, will be served tableside. The cost for the brunch is $45 for adults and $35 for children 3-11.

Reservations are required and seating is limited for both the Valentine’s dinner and brunch. For either event, guests should enter the zoo via its south gate entrance at 3300 Golf Road in Brookfield. To make reservations and for further information, go to CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8355.

--

Photos courtesy of the Brookfield Zoo/CZS