It is a garden party like no other, as Magic in the Moonlight truly lives up to its name. Hosted by the City Park Conservancy, this elegant sit-down benefit is set in the park’s New Orleans Botanical Garden with the sky, stars, greenery and oak trees creating an enchanting setting for a three-course dinner by one of the city’s top chefs.
For this year’s affair on Oct. 11, Chef Melissa Martin of Mosquito Supper Club was handed the culinary honors to create the night’s menu. (Each year features a different chef.) The evening kicked off with passed hors d’oeuvres of sweet potato biscuits with Steen’s butter, smoked fish dip with crostini, and shrimp boulettes. The dinner included a tomato and Lima bean salad with white balsamic vinaigrette, an entrée of braised duck confit over rice dressing with a citrus jus finished with dessert of satsuma parfait topped with heirloom sesame seeds and an alligator cookie.
New Orleans Classical and Jazz featured live musicians who created a vibrant soundtrack for the evening, while DJ Ann Glaviano: Heatwave! brought the energy to the after-party. A silent auction with 16 exclusive lots added to the excitement, raising even more funds for the cause.
“It was wonderful celebrating Magic in the Moonlight with our co-chairs Natalie and Marcia and all of the guests who supported the New Orleans Botanical Garden,” said Liz Sloss, City Park Conservancy Board Chair.
Event co-chairs were Dr. Marcia Davila and Natalie Phillips.
Fun Fact: The New Orleans Botanical Garden produced over 300 pounds of vegetables in its outdoor kitchen over the past year, providing fresh produce for staff, volunteers and community kitchens.
