Miami: Le Basque Brings Imagination to Life at 22nd Annual “Gala in the Garden”

When it comes to lavish events, it’s not just about the food. And while their top-of-the-line chefs and culinary experts have developed menus even the pickiest of tasters can’t ignore, no one knows that better than the creative masterminds – or as we know them, magicians – at Miami’s full-service catering and event design company, Le Basque.

Producing more than ten of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s past galas, each more elegant and elaborate than the one before, Le Basque did not disappoint with this past February’s 22^nd annual “Gala in the Garden.” Adorning the Lakeside Marquee in the night’s theme, An Evening of Magical Glass – named for Fairchild’s current outdoor Dale Chihuly exhibit – Le Basque oversaw everything from catering to décor; bringing the whimsy of Chihuly’s bold and bright installations to life.

Inspired by Chihuly’s rich tones of cobalt blue and purple glass, Alejandro Muguerza, President and creative force behind Le Basque, began by transforming eight large center poles into spiraling, cascading chandeliers; shining bright with tones of fuchsia lit from within. The tablecloths mixed shades of cobalt blue, purple diplomó and intense fuchsia, and each were topped with green centerpieces containing seasonal flowers and vibrant orchids. Accenting large round tables with vivid green and cobalt blue chargers – and placing them on hot pink carpet, dotted with translucent chairs with green cushions – the room was as magical as it was artistic. Combine that with its warm shades of pink and amber lighting, and a menu of gourmet favorites like tomatoes and black olive tapenade, pumpkin risotto, beef tenderloin, goat milk and lavender panna cotta, and more; and the evening was nothing short of exquisite.