Foodie Guide to xZOOberance 2023

Springtime is in the air, and you know what that means – our annual spring festival xZOOberance is in full swing! Every Thursday-Sunday, from March 23 to April 16, the Zoo celebrates the new season with flavors, flowers, and fun!

What comes to mind when you think of “spring” and “food?” Backyard barbecues, picnics, and refreshing drinks. That’s why xZOOberance is offering a fresh, seasonal menu with a variety of options perfect for your spring outing!

Satisfy your hunger with a beefy burger, BBQ sandwich or grilled brat. Or enjoy delicious sweet treats and snacks like Bavarian pretzels and a snack pack filled with cheese cubes, grapes, meats and crackers. Adults can unwind with their choice of local craft beer, wine and hand-crafted cocktails created especially for our event by Hotel Tango.

Is your mouth watering yet? Let’s check out the delicious Foodie Guide for the 2023 xZOOberance spring festival!

Blooming Bites

Veg = Vegetarian, GF = Gluten Free, V = Vegan

Uncle Frank & Aunt June’s Backyard Grill

Food Items:

• Nathan’s® Hot Dog – Grilled Nathan’s® Famous all-beef hot dog on a fresh locally made bun.
• Uncle Frank’s Burger – 8oz. grilled local ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion on a gourmet bun.
• Backyard Brat – Grilled bratwurst, caramelized onions, Local Folks® whole-grained mustard on a locally baked brat bun.
• Kettle Chips (GF, Veg, V) – House-made potato chips with seasonal flavors.

Café on the Commons

Food Items:

• Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich – Slow-smoked pork, shredded with sweet & tangy BBQ sauce on a fresh local bun with spring slaw.
• Chicken Salad Croissant – House-made chicken salad with apples served on a croissant with lettuce and tomato.

Cheer Garden in Bicentennial Pavilion

Food Items:

• Rice Krispies® Treat (Veg, GF) – Hand-dipped icing and sprinkles.
• Cake Pop (Veg) – Assorted spring cake pops.
• Bavarian Pretzel (Veg) – Add a cheese a cup.
• Snack Pack – Cheese cubes, grapes, sliced meats and crackers.

Spring Spirits (21 & Older)

Cocktails by Hotel Tango

• Cheer-y Limeade – Cherry liqueur, lime juice and simple syrup.
• Bourbon Blossom – Bourbon, Orangecello, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters.

Craft Beer by Metazoa Brewing Co.

• Jumping Joey (American Pale Ale) – Floral and resinous pine aromas combine with a touch of bready malt flavor resulting in a hop-forward beer with a crisp, dry finish.
• Hoppopotamus (American IPA) – A burst of floral bitterness from the Citra and Mosaic hops is balanced by a soft sweetness from a light-handed dose of Vienna malt.
• Nap in a Hammock (Cream Ale) – A crisp, bright, fizzy brew – clean with a bit of malt character.

No Ruff Days Wine by Daniel’s Vineyard

• Red Blend – A fruit forward, medium bodied wine with notes of blackberry, plum and hibiscus – followed by just a touch of oaky vanilla.
• Watermelon Rosé – A dry rosé wine made fizzy with notes of watermelon, pomegranate and lemon.
• Chardonnay – A dry, smooth and well-balanced finish with fruity flavors of lemon zest & green apple, complimented with the taste of toasted vanilla from the barrel it was aged in.
• Tangerine Blanc – Fruity beverage, light bodied with notes of tangerine, peach and honeydew melon.

xZOOberance is open now through April 16, hours are Thursday-Sunday noon-4pm. It is free for members and included with regular admission. You can buy your tickets here.