'Courses in the Conservatory': Progressive dinner through Botanical Gardens

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens' popular dining event, “Courses in the Conservatory,” returns for a fresh, summer, upscale spin on a farm-to-table dining experience from 5-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11.

A press release stated, “ ‘Courses in the Conservatory’ has made its return to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens for a fine-dining experience like no other. ‘Courses in the Conservatory’ was initially introduced in the winter of 2022, and with its great success, is now taking place in the summer for the first time ever to celebrate the harvest season.

“Guests will have the opportunity to eat and drink their way through the conservatory for a four-course, locally sourced meal provided by Salvatore’s Hospitality, where each course will be served in a different greenhouse to create the progressive dinner experience.

“The evening will begin with a selection of seasonal passed appetizers and drinks beside the magnificent indoor waterfall where guests can enjoy a delicious cocktail or glass of wine from the open bar.

“Guests will then proceed through four more greenhouses, and enter the newly renovated outdoor courtyard for the starter and main course. This gorgeous, family-style table setting will be filled with a joyous ambiance of colorful flowers, lights, music, and the golden-hour sunset. Each item on the menu will be sourced from a local farm and has been carefully prepared by Salvatore’s Hospitality to create this delicious farm-to-table meal. Dinner will also be accompanied by live music from JazzBuffalo to create a West Coast summer feel that will create unforgettable memories for friends and loved ones. 

“Once the meal is finished, guests will proceed into the Cloud Forest greenhouse for a glass of champagne to make a toast to a beautiful summer evening. Then, enjoy a sweet treat in the Main Palm Dome at twilight and relish in the beauty of the Botanical Gardens for the remainder of the evening.”

The cost of this dinner is $125 per person and includes the four-course meal, open bar, access to the entire conservatory, and live music. Reservations are required for this event and must be made by Friday, Aug. 4. The full menu is available online at buffalogardens.com; dietary restrictions will be accommodated for.

Use #CoursesInTheConservatory and @BuffaloBotanicalGardens when posting and tagging on social media. Proceeds benefit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a mission to “inspire curiosity and connect people to the natural world through its historic living museum.”

For more, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1cIURWPfRI.