Long Island Food Critic

On a beautiful summer evening in early August, Coe Hall at Planting Fields Arboretum was transformed into The Masquerade Garden Champagne Party of the summer. This celebration marks the sixth annual soiree for the Arboretum. Attendees showed off their most creative masks and costumes as they strolled through one of Long Island's oldest Gold Coast Mansions.

As guests made their way to the mansion courtyard, they were greeted by a champagne and cocktail station with beautiful flower arrangements abound. Masqueraders mingled while waiting for the culinary offerings of Private Chef, Jeff Lawton to be served. Some of his creations consisted of seafood lettuce wraps, gourmet sliders, and kabobs. In addition there was a bounty of appetizer platters for all to feast upon.

The evening culminated with guests dancing under the tent to saxophonist Curtis Haywood, of Smooth Sounds Entertainment. He belted out familiar songs of yesterday and today with pizzazz. Accompanying him was DJ entertainment by Tommy's Tunes.

The masquerade theme of this year's Garden Champagne Party seemed to be a fabulous sensation. Attendees really enjoyed the opportunity to "dress to impress" with their true identity being kept a mystery all while raising money to help preserve this divine historic site.