The Academy of Natural Sciences is Hosting an After Hours Rain Forest Themed Dining Experience
Need an excuse to dress up for a cool themed event? Well. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (“the Academy”) and 12th Street Catering (“12th Street”) –are poised to host their second environmentally conscious dining experience on Thursday June 27th from 6 pm to 8 pm.
This unique dining experience dubbed Dining for a Greener Future: A Night in the Rainforest will offer a reception-style, rainforest-themed dinner and drinks with fresh, sustainable, mouth-watering fare prepared by 12th Street Chef Adam DeLosso.
Guests are encouraged to dress in tropical attire or stylish safari outfits to explore the Academy’s latest special exhibit, Under the Canopy: Animals of the Rainforest, where they learn about rainforest ecology and encounter live animals including a sloth, boa constrictors and more. Guests will also hear from scientists Chelsea Smith, Botany Collections Manager, and Mark Sabaj Perez, Ichthyology Interim Curator, who will illuminate the intricacies of rainforest ecosystems, showcasing rainforest flora and fish specimens from the Academy’s collections.
“The Dining for a Greener Future series is back by popular demand to offer a Night in the Rainforest with 12th Street Catering,” said Kimberly Reynolds, Chief Advancement Officer, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. “Our guests will experience science come to life while enjoying an eco-friendly dinner inspired by the majestic flora, bountiful trees and many creatures found in the natural world of the rainforest. This dinner is a chance for guests to showcase their best tropical attire and learn how small actions and choices can make a big difference to safeguard this precious environment.”
“As the exclusive caterer of the Academy, we are thrilled to be a part of another interactive dinner experience within the impressive halls and galleries of the Academy,” said Michele Leff, Principal, 12th Street Catering. “At 12th Street Catering, going green is a part of our everyday philosophy. We can’t wait to share a version of our new carbon neutral menu inspired by the rainforest, and created with locally sourced ingredients, including those from our very own rooftop garden.”
While enjoying the rainforest-inspired menu, guests will be able to explore Under the Canopy, an exhibit created by Little Ray’s Exhibitions onsite at the Academy through September 2, 2024 focused on the fascinating world of rainforests and the animals that inhabit them. Immersive animal habitat displays with live animals, including a two-toed sloth, are special features of the exhibition, along with life-size, climbable animal sculptures and other interactive and dynamic components to inspire visitors of all ages. Presented in both English and Spanish, Under the Canopy transport visitors to the most diverse ecosystem on the planet to learn about biodiversity, as well as the vital function of rainforests as Earth’s lungs.
Tickets must be purchased in advance to attend the Dining for a Greener Future: A Night in the Rainforest at the Academy and can be purchased at on the Academy of Natural Sciences website under events or by contacting 215-299-1115. Tickets are $105 per guest with alcohol included.
