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Strategic Seating + Glam Cocktails + Wolfgang Puck Add Up To Party Success
For the 18th year in a row (a lifetime here in Hollywood), Wolfgang Puck will be creating the food for the 84th Annual Academy Awards Governors Ball. He’s super excited as he says that the Oscars are only second in terms of American events to the Super Bowl. I agree and was thus super excited myself to attend the Food and Beverage Press Preview at Hollywood & Highland yesterday (my first!).
Wolfgang Puck (in the middle of the media mob at the Food & Beverage Preview)
Though it was a mob scene, it was surreal to be there … and I learned a lot about why this year’s guests will likely have an EPIC time. Below are the top 3 reasons why the 1,500 party goers will likely have rave reviews for the gala.
Source: Oscars.org
No. 3: Their odds of sitting next to George Clooney, Mila Kunis or (A-List Star of their choice) are higher this year.
In a radical shift from years past, this year’s event with be more like a party. Instead of a sit-down dinner, this year’s Ball will have a lounge feel. Guests will be able to move from area to area … thereby improving their chances of “running into” others stars of their choice. If I were a guest this year, I’d be pretty psyched about that. “Oh, George, I’m so sorry for bumping into you at the Seafood bar – I apologize!!” (Hey, if I’m not incorrect, isn’t this how Calista Flockhart met Harrison Ford?!)
Governors Ball Decor Plan
Plus, when they do “bump into” each other, they’ll likely already be seduced by the glamorous, and deliberately seductive decor. The inspiration for Ball decor this year was the Mediterranean, where one (if one is so lucky as to go there) doesn’t want to leave. To help make the room feel more intimate, they’re lowering the ceiling and will make it sparkle with 1,400 strands of Swarovski crystals. Meantime, with very neutral yet warm room colors, the all-red floral arrangements from Mark’s Garden will add a glamorous pop.
Governors Ball Flowers by Mark's Garden
No. 2: If they choose, they’ll drink well.
As with all big parties, there must have a specialty cocktail. This year’s cocktail was created by Adam Seger (pictured below) who won the Moet contest this year.
Moet's Red Carpet Glamour Cocktail
To make your own Moet’s Red Carpet Glamour Governors Ball Featured Cocktail, follow these simple instructions:
- Stir one oz. of fresh squeezed sour mix and one oz. of Hum Botanical Spirit with fresh ice.
- Strain into a flute and top with Moet & Chandon Imperial.
- Garnish with a single rose petal.
And No. 1: They’ll Be Eating Well … Very Well
Of course, key to any party’s success is the food. And with Wolfgang at the helm, eating well is virtually guaranteed. Wolfgang’s menu, created along with Chef Partner Matt Bencivenga and Executive Pastry Chef Sherry Yard, will feature over 50 dishes – many with sustainable seafood and organic produce (sure to please Mr. Clooney!). It will also have a few luxuries (5 kilos of American Farm Raised Caviar, 1450 pounds Maine Lobster, 10 pounds of Black Winter Truffles and 25 pounds Edible Gold Dust!) and much comfort food thrown in.
Wolfgang Shows Off Oscars Menu To The Press
Wolfgang told the preview crowd that he likes to give people food they know and expect from him – dishes like Chinois Lamb with Cilantro Mint Vinaigrette, Shanghai Lobster with Coconut Curry, Jasmine Rice and Pickled Ginger, and, of course, his signature assorted pizzas.
Here’s a sneak peak at what Wolfgang and team will be delivering for gala guests this year:
So what would be DeathbedFood from this menu for Wolfgang Puck? Gold Wrapped Baked Potato with Caviar and Crème Fraiche. The full Governors Ball menu is detailed below (with photos from Where LA).
PS – Wolfgang, if you happen to need a “seat filler” at the last minute for this gala, I’m available!!
Tray-Passed
Smoked Salmon on Oscar® Flatbread with Caviar and Crème Fraiche
Spicy Tuna Tartare in Sesame Miso Cones with Masago
Mini Kobe Cheeseburger with Remoulade and Aged Cheddar
Pork Belly Dumplings with Soy and Ginger
Crab Cakes with Remoulade
Arrancini with Tomato, Basil and Parmesan
Tempura Shrimp with Wasabi Glaze
Vegetable Spring Roll with Sweet Chili Sauce
Assorted Pizzas
Cold Appetizer Platter
Lobster Taco with Tomato and Pickled Shallots
Caprese Skewer with Bufala Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil
Potato Latke with Smoked Sturgeon and Horseradish
House Made Pretzel Bread with Beer Cheddar Fondue and Mustard Aioli
Prosciutto Grissini
Small Plates
Chicken Pot Pie with Shaved Black Truffles and Roasted Vegetables
Fuji Apple Salad with Crumbled Blue Cheese, Arugula, Shaved Red Onion and
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Beet Tortelloni with Goat Cheese and Toasted Hazelnuts
Gold Wrapped Baked Potato with Caviar and Crème Fraiche
Slow Braised Short Rib with Polenta and Romesco
Crab and Lobster Louie with Horseradish Panna Cotta and Marinated Tomatoes
Macaroni & Cheese with Aged Cheddar
Shanghai Lobster with Coconut Curry, Jasmine Rice and Pickled Ginger
Chinois Lamb with Cilantro Mint Vinaigrette
Beet Salad with Pistachio Butter, Burrata and Citrus Balsamic
Seafood and Sushi Buffets
Sushi with Wasabi, Soy and Ginger: Rolls, Nigiri and Sashimi
Shellfish with Mustard and Cocktail Sauce: Prawns, Lobster, Stone Crab and Oysters
Passed Dessert
Almond, Orange-Brown Butter Cake with Blood Orange
Date Cake with Sticky Toffee Pudding and Toffee Orange Sauce
Chocolate in 3D
Golden Candy Apple
Banana Cream Pie with Candied Popcorn
Tart Tatin with Pretzel Pastry and Caramel Gelato
Chocolate Mousse in Golden Egg Cups
Dessert Buffet
Raspberry Rose Eclairs
Strawberry Shortcake Push-Up Pops
Red Hot Macaroons
Star Shortbread with Silver Sugar
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pops
Brown Sugar Lemon Meringue Cones
Chocolate Pudding Push-up Pops
Long Stem Strawberries
Chocolate Buffet
Chocolate Fountains with Farmers Market Long Stem Strawberries
Chocolate Paninis
Triple Chocolate Cupcakes
Warm Coulent Souffle Cakes
Chocolate Dobos Torte
Earl Grey Tea Truffles
White Chocolate Coconut Rum Truffles
Milk Chocolate Caramel Truffles
Chocolate Dipped Pop Rock Cakes
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Triple Chocolate Toffee Crunch Cookies
Chocolate Coffee Cups
Chocolate Toffee Cups
24 Karat Chocolate Oscars
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