The San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Executive Chef Grant Toraason believes that food brings people together. He’s been cooking for just under 20 years and oversees all the culinary endeavors at the Safari Park from grab-and-go offerings to expansive banquets and catering. Now he’s extending his talents to Mkutano House, the all-new full-service restaurant located in the heart of Denny Sanford Elephant Valley. 

More Than a Meal

Every chef’s journey is different, and Grant’s began with a love for problem solving and creativity that naturally comes with this career. To him, food is a canvas where he shows his personality and shapes something incredible. He expresses that, “It’s also very vulnerable. Food is something that all people have an opinion on so putting yourself out there on this canvas can be scary, but also exciting. When it works out, it’s very fulfilling.” 

Grant’s managed kitchens in restaurants, tasting rooms, and other culinary settings. Yet he’s found that there’s no place on Earth like the Safari Park. Every day is as different as it is extraordinary and the dining options match that. Over his eight-year tenure, he’s collaborated with teams to set every menu across the Safari Park.

One day he might make menus paying homage to different cultures and their culinary techniques. Another, he could be crafting custom menus for catering and really flex his creative muscles. Overall, one of his main goals is to make the guest experience the best it can be. If they order a burger and fries, he wants to make it tasty and memorable.

Seasonality is also an important pillar to Grant’s approach. By buying seasonal produce and seafood, it’s a great way to get the best tasting dish possible while promoting sustainability at the same time. As far as other proteins, Grant recommends going straight to the source and to “talk to your local butchers.” 

Passing Plates with Purpose

Grant stepped back into his wheelhouse to work on the menu at Mkutano House. Mkutano is Swahili for “gathering with purpose,” and it served as a guiding principle for the menu offerings and dining style. He developed the unique, globally inspired menu over the course of a year, celebrating community and connection with comforting family-style meals and shared plates. This menu also presented an interesting opportunity to highlight African and North African flavor profiles—a first for Grant. 

While the food he creates is bold and innovative, according to himself, he eats like a kid. He’s a sucker for a good sandwich or creamy pasta. Chefs… they’re just like us! 

Family and Four-Legged Friends First 

Beyond his time in the kitchen, Grant’s a family man. He credits his success to his parents and his wife, Kristen. She’s helped him push himself throughout the years and has held down the fort while handling a career of her own and their two kids, Luke and Emma. His favorite animals, you ask? His family’s pets, of course. Between his adorable basset hound Daisy, energetic shepherd mix Birdie, his kids’ feline friend Kit Kat—and we can't forget Pomeranian matriarch Lil' Miss—he’s got his hands happily full at home.

Save Room for Seconds… and Thirds 

Enjoy Chef Grant’s creations during every meal you have at the Safari Park. And journey into Elephant Valley where you’ll experience the extraordinary world of African elephants like never before. From Mkutano House, you can take it all in while trying the newest, most innovative menu at the Safari Park. Supporting wildlife conservation never tasted so good! 

Make your reservation at Mkutano House today. We can’t wait for you to join us, and don’t forget to bring a larger-than-life appetite along with a few friends to take advantage of the full menu.

Plan your visit to Elephant Valley and walk side by side with the herd while you discover how your support is protecting them for generations to come through our Savanna Conservation Hub. Still feeling hungry? Explore all of the Safari Park’s dining options.