With 40 percent of the work completed, Michael Corduaand son David Cordua opened the doors of their much-anticipated second location of Americas to a few special friends on Friday night.

The early preview of the West Gray location (the restaurant opens for business today) for 200 supporters of Houston Zoo was the first in a string of grand opening festivities that will benefit various non-profits that the Cordua family supports.

Friday's event brought together, for the first time, all three support groups for the zoo including the young professionals Flock, Ambassadors and the Asante Society. There was no charge for this evening that served as a thank-you for zoo patrons.

The sneak peek allowed guests the first look-see at the exotic interiors by Chicago architectJordan Mozer, who designed the original Americas on Post Oak Boulevard. Just as creative but not as flamboyant, the new eatery has a sophisticated vibe.

Guests were also treated to a sampling of goodies on the new menu. Look for the taquitos section with soft shell crawfish, bacon-wrapped quail and beef short ribs. Guests sampled those and more including lobster "lollipops" and spinach empanadas. David Cordua enticed taste buds with descriptions of the various ceviche dishes also on the menu.

Welcoming the crowd were zoo honchos CEO Deborah Cannon and director Rick Barongi and zoo reps introducing guests to handheld zoo critters, including a colorful parrot, South American tegu lizard and a fetching three-banded armadillo.

In the mix were Peggy and Bill Barnett, Bobbie and John Nau, Dick Kimbrough, Sharon Adams, Bill Wright, Gloria Luna, Betty and Stephen Newton, Jennifer LeGrand and Katherine Orellana.