New Orleans,
08
December
2020
|
15:49 PM
America/Chicago

Commander’s Palace Executive Chef Creates Réveillon Feast for the Animals at Audubon Zoo

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Commander's Palace and Audubon Zoo teamed up to create a special Réveillon feast for the animals at the Zoo.

In New Orleans, food and the holidays go hand-in-hand, and Commander's Palace is one of the most iconic places to eat in New Orleans, especially for the holidays. So, why should holiday treats just be limited to humans?

Commander's Executive Chef Meg Bickford took on the challenge of creating Réveillon delicacies for a unique clientele ... the animals at Audubon Zoo! Chef Meg carefully considered the varying dietary restrictions of each of the selected animals to create a one-of-a-kind Réveillon feast.

“It’s the season of celebration and I’m so excited to celebrate with Audubon Zoo, with such a strong presence in our community,” said Commander’s Palace Executive Chef Meg Bickford. “I’m so honored to bring Réveillon to the animals and cannot think of a better way to spread joy this holiday season.”

Audubon provides high quality nutritious diets for the animals in its care including a wide variety of fresh produce, high-grade meats, and sustainably harvested seafood. Audubon pays nearly $70,000 a month to feed the animals in its care such as giraffe, sea otters, sharks, lions, and gorillas.

The Zoo’s orangutans, Asian small-clawed otters, babirusas, Asian elephants, and sun bear enjoyed Chef Meg’s Réveillon treats.

The menu included: Peanut Butter Banana Pineapple Oat Muffins, Crispy Sunflower, Pumpkin and Apple Biscuits, along with Pistachio and Cardamom Sweet Potato Bars. Rouses Markets generously donated some of the items that Executive Chef Meg Bickford used to prepare the spread.

“Community is a huge part of our culture here in New Orleans,” said Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman. “Now, more than ever, our community is like family. We hope combining these two iconic New Orleans establishments with this holiday Réveillon feast will bring a little joy to the community this holiday season.”

Members of the community can also help feed the animals at Audubon Nature Institute this holiday season by making a donation at www.YourAnimalsNeedYou.org.

While Audubon’s doors were closed for over two months to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Audubon never stopped providing outstanding care for its animals. Even though the Zoo and Aquarium have reopened, its ability to generate revenue is still severely limited. Audubon’s estimated loss of revenue directly related to facility closures from March to June was approximately $21 million.

Audubon Nature Institute

Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.