The Secret Garden

Finding extra space for growth and new structural additions can be a challenge at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Sometimes that darn mountain gets in the way! The CMZoo’s culinary team took this particular challenge on and designed a unique enhancement to their cooking operation. Without leaving the foot print of the Grizzly Grill, a rooftop garden was created. Through partnerships with Pikes Peak Urban Garden, Ace Hardware, Soil Menders, and Smart Pot Tree Bags, the garden has really made a big impact. Items growing in the garden range from beans, to squash, to lettuce, to fresh herbs, and edible flowers. The staff will be using as much of this produce as possible in the zoo’s restaurants. Garden salads, garden pizzas, and various specials that incorporate the sustainable produce will be featured at the Grill.

Much of this produce can be grown at home and the chefs are happy to answer any questions you may have. Expect the produce to start showing up around the zoo in the middle of June.

Look for recipes from the Chefs coming soon.

Your Culinary Questions Answered!

From BBQ to Black Tie...

Meet Kassy Boyd

Catering Manager, Taste of the Wild Catering
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Kassy joined the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo team in June 2011. After graduating from Colorado State University, she moved to Denver and worked at the Denver Zoo for the concessionaire, KM Concessions & Service Systems Associates. Her positive attitude, willingness to learn, and desire to excel quickly advanced her into upper-management as the Catering Operations Manager. When the Catering Sales & Ops Manager position opened at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, she eagerly accepted the promotion and relocated to Colorado Springs.

As the face of Taste of the Wild Catering, Kassy is committed to making your event at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo a success. She operates a full-service catering department and manages the entire process, from facility and catering sales to setup and tear down on event day.

Managed by Service Systems Associates, Taste of the Wild excels at any and every event style, from BBQ to black tie. The Lodge at Moose Lake is centrally located inside the zoo - a spaciously cozy event space with spectacular views of Colorado Springs and versatility beyond your wildest imagination.

The Lodge at Moose Lake is still available for rental during Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 2011 Electric Safari. Your guests will enjoy warmth and refreshment while taking in the over 1 million lights throughout the zoo. Groups can also “stray from the pack” on select December dates and rent the whole zoo for a more personal touch. Don’t miss out on this affordable opportunity for your guests to check this holiday tradition off their lists!

To book your holiday party, company picnic, summer wedding, or for general inquiries about Taste of the Wild Catering at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, contact Kassy at 719.314.0970 or email catering@cmzoo.org.