Jazzoo: Preview the menu for Summer’s wildest dinner party

Courtesy Jazzoo

It’s about to get wild(er) up in the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

Jazzoo is not only the zoo’s largest fundraising event, but is party-animal central–where adults dress in their finest “creative black tie” and enjoy some of the zoo rides and exhibits kid-free, all while sampling from over 70 restaurants and caterers. 

Jazzoo will be held June 6, and money raised from the event provides a year of food for the nearly 10,000 animals on site as well as educational opportunities for over 228,000 participants each year.

Susan McFee, special events manager at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, says there’s a reason this is one of the city’s longest-running and highest-attended galas: “Attendees like this event because it’s not a sit-down fundraiser. It’s truly a party at the zoo!”

To put the jazz in Jazzoo, artists like the Sam Platt Trio, Jazoo Jazz Crew, and JT Duo serenade guests throughout the zoo grounds. Additionally, DJs and cover bands like Lone Jett, Blondage, and more have staggered set times on professional stages. Pockets of entertainment, games, and performers surprise guests at every landscaped turn.

Despite the music-focused name, Jazzoo is even more known for its food. Over 70 participating restaurants, caterers, and more offer sampling of their stand-out dishes. 

Courtesy Jazzoo

Enrique Gutierrez, co-owner of Teocali Mexican Restaurant, is returning for the 12th time. What keeps a restaurant coming back year after year? “Seeing the zoo itself, the beautification and the new additions–it’s fun to see Kansas City come together for a memorable night,” says Gutierrez. This year, guests who stop by the Teocali booth can enjoy slow-cooked pork with chile sauce on a bed of Mexican rice, served with chips and salsa.

Tiki Taco, a casual Cali-Mex restaurant expanding its way around the KC metro, will make its first Jazzoo appearance this year. Jason Kinslow, owner of Tiki Taco, and Meredith Schulte, marketing manager, see this as a way to contribute to the KC community while getting more people familiar with their brand and food. The Tiki Taco truck in all its yellow glory will be serving street tacos with multiple protein options. 

After working in the hospitality industry, Chef Justin Clark, who now owns Urban, considers it an honor in the KC culinary community to be invited to participate in Jazzoo. “I’ve always wanted to be part of it,” says Clark. From the Urban booth, both omnivores and vegetarians may be satisfied with a spicy jerk beef paired with a melon salad to “cool it down,” Clark plans.

Other chefs and owners that I spoke with share Clark’s excitement. The owners of Tacos Valentina are bringing broccoli tostadas, and another first-time participant and Crossroads neighbor, Kata Nori, will be serving samples of two of their best sellers: hamachi crudo and cucumber salad. Off the Hook BBQ is keeping it KC-classic with chopped brisket, pulled pork, and baked beans. Kate Smith Soiree will be serving its signature French macarons, but in four flavors that the Overland Park bakery has never offered before.

As if the unlimited dishes and drinks (from ten bars throughout the zoo) weren’t enough to make this event stand out, attendees can look forward to a sweet surprise as they exit the park at the end of the night.

Jazzoo is June 6 from 7:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Tickets are $250.