Academy Hosts Governors Ball Media Preview
- Details
- Category: Chefs, Fine Dining
- Written by Janet Walker
The Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences recently presented, to a select group of Los Angles media, the Producing and event team selected for the upcoming 85th Annual Governors Ball.
Held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom, the morning began with the introduction of Academy Governor Jeffrey Kurland, by Jasmine Madatian, Head of Communications, who explained the event, was a “sneak peek” into the upcoming celebrity studded bash that follows the Oscars.
Mr. Kurland, Chair of the Governors Ball, oversees décor, menu and entertainment planning as well as designing the attire for the event staff, introduced Event Producer Cheryl Cecchetta, President of Sequoia Productions, who has designed the event for the last twenty-four years. Additionally, the culinary masters who will prepare the luscious menu include Uber Chef Wolfgang Puck, Matt Bencivenga and Pastry Chef Sherry Yard, who have provided the exquisite menu selections for the last eighteen years.
The Governors Ball Preview allows the media opportunity to meet and interview each of those providing unique offerings for the spectacular evening and sample the delightful wines and spirits and taste the delicious menu items prepared by Wolfgang Puck. As Ms. Cecchetta remarked, “it’s been said that it is always a cocktail hour somewhere in the world so enjoy the wonderful offerings.”
Also, included in the Governors Ball preview were celebrated florist Mark Held of Mark’s Garden who will be preparing the floral arrangements, Sterling Vineyards, of Napa Valley, for the 7th consecutive year will be pouring a selection of delicious wines, a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and a Reserve Chardonnay.
The official Champagne for the 85th Governors Ball will be provided by Thienot, who will be serving a Brut, at the pre-show reception, and at the Governors Ball a Thienot Rose and a Thienot Vintage 2005 will be tray passed. Serving fine spirits for the evening will be specialty drinks created with delicious Patron Tequila and Ultimate Vodka provided by Patron Spirits and the Awards will be presented in specially designed envelopes created by Marc Friedland of Couture Communications.
Upon entering the Ballroom, located at the top of the Dolby Theater, guests will be swept into a magical wonderland decorated in warm shades of aubergine, chartreuse, and champagne. An 18 foot OSCAR will be the events centerpiece as guests mingle under a 120 foot chandelier that is specially made for this evening with 1.78m beads and 18,000 LED points of light. Although this year’s Governors Ball will not be formal seating the 1500 guests will enjoy lounge style seating provided by LUX Lounges including Infinite high back Banquettes, Vanity dining chairs, Oscar Bar Stools and matching tables.
Master Chef Wolfgang Puck and his team has prepared a menu to compliment the Night of One Hundred Stars beginning with a selection of tray passed Hors D’Oeuvres of Tuna tartare in Miso Cones, Mini Kobe Burger, Smoked Salmon Oscars, Assorted Pizzas, Shrimp Fritter and Duck Wonton to name a few.
After the appetizers a grand buffet will feature a Sushi and Shellfish Station, with every delicacy from the deep imaginable, Cocktail Platters, as well as traditional and non-traditional Cold and Hot Small Plates including Chinois Chicken Salad, Wontons, Kale Salad, Grilled Artichoke, and hot plates of Lobster with Black Bean sauce, Chicken Pot Pie with black Truffles, Slow Braised Lamb Shank ‘Shepherd’s Pie” and a smorgasbord of delectable and delicious entrée.
A delicious assortment of sumptuous desserts, including Mango Crumble, Bon Bons, baked to order Chocolate Soufflé Cake with shaved Espresso Ice, Chocolate Crème Brulee with Raspberries as well as Cookies, Candies and Chocolates, prepared by Pastry Chef Sherry Yard will complete the inspired menu.
For the evenings food preparation the team will use 5Kilos of American farm raised caviar, 600 Maine Lobsters, 7,500 individual shrimp, 1,250 stone crab claws, 4,500 pieces of truffle and parmesan grissini, 20,000 pieces of California grown micro greens, 5,000 cage free eggs, 1000 LBS(!) of L’Etoile di Nord bittersweet chocolate and 5000 mini chocolate OSCARS!! And that’s just a sample of the ingredients needed to prepare for this luxurious celebration!
Entertainment for the evening will be provided by six time Grammy award winner Gregg Field and a band of A-list studio musicians.
The Academy Awards will be presented Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Dolby Theater at the Hollywood & Highland Center and will be hosted by Seth MacFarlane. The OSCARS will be televised to more than 225 countries and seen on the ABC Network.
For more information: www.oscars.org, www.facebook.com/TheAcademy, www.youtube.com/Oscars
