Creating a Jurassic Park-Themed Dinner: A Night of Adventure and Flavor
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by dinosaurs. Growing up, my Aunt Jaci, a passionate history buff, instilled that love of history in us - and I was particularly enthralled with dinosaurs. She would take us on real archaeological digs for dinosaur bones and to the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles where they have the most epic Dinosaur exhibits. I could spend hours—days, even exploring exhibits and imagining life millions of years ago. So, when Jurassic Park hit theaters, it instantly became one of my all-time favorite movies. The groundbreaking visuals and thrilling story left a lasting impression, and to this day, the film stands the test of time. It goes without saying that I was most excited to create this Jurassic Park Dinner and a Movie Night!!
This week, I decided to bring that sense of awe and adventure into our home with a Jurassic Park-themed dinner. As part of our weekly dinner and a movie date night tradition, my husband and I enjoyed an elevated meal that celebrated the film in every dish. This Jurassic Park dinner has easily become one of my proudest creations. It was both visually stunning and bursting with flavor - a fine dining experience with a prehistoric twist. Let’s dive into the details of this epic feast!
Setting the Scene
Our dinner and a movie nights are a cherished tradition, but this week’s Jurassic Park dinner brought a new level of excitement to the table. The magic of Jurassic Park’s iconic visuals came to life on the plate, as every dish was designed to evoke the prehistoric grandeur of the film. From the primal T-Rex Tomahawk Steak to the intricate Fossilized Dinosaur Egg Nests, the meal wasn’t just about eating—it was about experiencing the film through flavor and presentation. The food was the showstopper, capturing the bold and adventurous spirit of Isla Nublar in every bite.
The Jurassic Park Dinner Menu
Velociraptor Venom Margarita
This cocktail set the tone for the night with its fresh, herbaceous twist on a classic margarita. Garnished with sprigs of dill and mint and a toy dinosaur nestled among the herbs, it was both playful and refreshing. A perfect start to our adventure.
Lex’s Green Jello Shots
We couldn’t do a Jurassic Park Movie night without green Jello – whow could ever forget the iconic scene where Lex trembles while holding a spoonful! These bright green jello shots were a fun nod to the film and added a playful touch to the night.
Raptor’s Glare Devilled Eggs
Designed to resemble dinosaur eyes, these devilled eggs were almost too fun to eat. The filling, tinted with fresh dill for a green hue, paired perfectly with the briny black olive "pupils."
Fossilized Dinosaur Egg Nests
This dish was the showstopper. Crispy phyllo nests cradled herb-roasted baby potatoes, creating a visual masterpiece that felt straight out of a prehistoric world. This was one of my proudest culinary creations to date - and I don’t know that I will ever be able to top it. They looked so cool, and they were delicious – I mean, how can you go wrong with carbs on carbs. :)
T-Rex Tomahawk Steak
A massive bone-in tomahawk steak took center stage for the main course. Grilled to perfection with a gorgeous char, it was paired with roasted garlic herb butter and a vibrant chimichurri sauce. This primal, hearty dish felt like something a T-Rex would enjoy.
Herbivore’s Feast Salad
A colorful garden salad rounded out the meal, featuring fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a homemade herb vinaigrette. Garnished with edible flowers, it was as beautiful as it was refreshing.
Ancient Relics Chocolate Excavation Cake
This dessert was the ultimate finale. Layers of moist chocolate cake were filled with caramel, fudge, and whipped cream, then topped with crushed Butterfinger candy and white chocolate dinosaur bones. It looked like an excavation site and tasted like pure bliss—hands down the best cake I’ve ever made.
When I was a kid - my longtime babysitter used to make a cake called “better than s*x cake.” I didn’t know what that meant as a child - but I knew it was a dang good cake. Over the years, I have learned to make this cake - and added my own twist with my famous Devils Food cake from scratch and homemade whipped frosting. This cake was hands down the best I have ever made.
The Process: Bringing Jurassic Park to Life
Planning and executing this Jurassic Park dinner was a labor of love. Each dish required careful thought to tie it back to the movie while maintaining an elevated, fine-dining feel. I even made the excavation cake twice to ensure it was picture-perfect. My husband and I both agreed: the effort was worth it. This cake was so good, we found ourselves sneaking bites straight from the fridge over the next few days.
The dino nests were another highlight for me. I’ve never seen anything quite like them before, and they turned out even better than I imagined. Rustic yet refined, they captured the essence of the theme perfectly.
Favorite Moments
This Jurassic Park dinner was truly a sensory experience. The dishes were visually stunning, and the flavors transported us to another world. My husband and I couldn’t stop marveling at how grand the meal felt, like dining at a fine restaurant with a prehistoric twist. It’s no exaggeration to say this was our favorite date night ever.
Tips for Your Own Jurassic Park Dinner
Plan Ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to prep each dish. Many components, like the cake and dino nests, can be made ahead of time.
Tie It to the Movie: Look for creative ways to connect each dish to elements of Jurassic Park. It makes the experience feel cohesive and magical.
Let the Food Shine: While themed decor can be fun, this meal proves that the food itself can create a fully immersive experience.
Bring the Adventure to Your Table
If this Jurassic Park dinner inspires you to create your own movie-themed meal, I’d love to see it! Tag me on social media and share your creations. This meal is the first feature from my newest digital cookbook, Epic Eats, which showcases 12 planned-for-you themed dinner and a movie nights. From Jurassic Park to other epic cinematic adventures, every menu is designed to bring the magic of the movies to your table.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the movie or just looking for a unique dining experience, this Jurassic Park dinner is sure to impress. From the playful cocktail to the indulgent excavation cake, every bite is an adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of Epic Eats and bring the magic of Isla Nublar to your table!
