Saturday, September 02, 2006

Levy unleashes Big Cats

Down below, the big cats are on the prowl, waiting for a meal while curious zoo-goers stare into the animals' home at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Up above, diners watch the lions and tigers from the comfort of Big Cats restaurant, Levy Restaurants newest food outlet at the zoo.

"Our target for Big Cats is an adult crowd," explained Carol Daniel, regional director of operations for Levy at the zoo. "Our other areas are more family-oriented, and we wanted to offer something for adults to get away for a while."

The 250-seat open-air restaurant, which is topped by a beige awning, is open from 8 a.m.--"we have a lot of joggers who go through the zoo because it's [admission] free," Daniel noted -- to 7 p.m. It serves a variety of upscale sandwiches, some on focaccia or flat breads; salads; desserts; and beverages.

The small kitchen includes a wood-burning oven, and live music is heard at various times during the week.

"We have a walk-up area, faced in red brick, to counters where diners can order their meals and wrought-iron tables and chairs for dining," she added. "The restaurant overlooks both the big cats and the birds of prey exhibits, so there's a lot to see. The birth of lion cubs recently makes for an added attraction."

Daniel said that, in addition to giving adults their own space for dining, the creation of Big Cats increases overall seating in the zoo, which encourages visitors to spend more time at the park.

Levy also operates Park Place Cafe, a food court in the former reptile house, the Landmark and Cafe Brower.


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