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Happy Hour: Patron Red Carpet

YumSugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:03:31 -0800

When you say "Red Carpet," most people probably think of fantastic frocks and celebrity smiles. Not the folks at Patron. For them the phrase "Red Carpet" has a completely different meaning. To them it means a lavish raspberry red tequila drink coated in edible gold. The specialty drink is called the Patron Red Carpet, and four thousand of them will be served at this year's Governors Ball. If you'd like to make that four thousand and one, get the recipe — including a video on how to make one at home — when you

Mark's Garden Adds Floral Drama to the Governors Ball

YumSugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:15:51 -0800

When I walked into the preview for the Governors Ball, the suspended globes immediately caught my eye. However, once I was able to pull my gaze down, my eyes became lost in the drama that is the floral arrangement.

There are over 15,000 roses, in 15 different shades of red, and they're accompanied by golden orchids imported from Thailand several days before the event. The cocktail tables are dotted with bouquets of roses, the dinner tables are huge, tall red and gold bouquets, and the food stations are littered with petals. The staff at Mark's Garden have created a beautiful arrangement that is dramatic, and somehow over the top and subdued at the same time.

I had a chance to talk to Mark Held — he and his staff have been doing the flowers for the Governors Ball for the past 13 years — about their floral decisions. To see that, and even more pics,

Wolfgang Is Nothing But Refined Simplicity

YumSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:28:31 -0800

If you haven't been following along with all of our Governors Ball coverage then you may have missed the fact that it's going to be "simple but refined." Everything is an elegant sea of red and gold, and the food is nothing but refined simplicity.

While at the press preview, I had the opportunity to watch Wolfgang at work. For two hours he entertained members of the press, grilled steaks, stirred up mac and cheese, and answered similar questions over and over and over again. Ever the great spokesperson, Wolfgang smiled and hammed it up; each member of the press got the same story, but it was always done with vivacity and it always seemed genuine. I managed to get some video of him in action, and our video editor really captured the feel. To check out Wolfgang giving his shpiel over and over and over again,

And the Oscar Goes to... Sherry Yard!

YumSugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:59:59 -0800

You've seen the food, and you've seen the decorations, heck, I even showed you what wine they'll be drinking at the upcoming Governors Ball. However, it's now time for the thing I'm sure a lot of you have been waiting for: the desserts!

This year, Sherry Yard, the executive pastry chef and author of several cookbooks, including Desserts by the Yard, is concentrating on wonderful little bites. There are solid dark chocolate Oscar statues, almond-apricot petit fours, edible bubbles — yes, bubbles! — shortbread Oscar-shaped cookies, chocolate truffles and more.

We recently got to chat with Sherry — who is quite delightful in real life — and she told us all about the dessert menu and prep. To check out the video, and see loads more pics,

Happy Hour: Sterling Wines

YumSugar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:27:51 -0800

For the last five years, Sterling Vineyards has created special blends specifically for the Oscars. The blends, which are the Red Carpet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and the Gold Standard Reserve Chardonnay, are limited to 350 cases of each and are extremely exclusive. Unless you sneak into to the Governors Ball, or have someone sneak a bottle out for you, you won't even be able to taste it. Luckily, I was able to taste the red during the press preview, and it was a dangerously smooth, well-rounded cab with a hint of chocolate, berries, and spice. Hollywood's elite are going to have a good time with this one!

And although you can't get your hands on one of these elite bottles, you can treat yourself to another vintage from Sterling. They have several different varieties — both whites and reds — and a price range that fits any budget.

Recently I had a chance to sit down with winemaker Chris Millard. He explained the exclusive wines and how they're developed. To check out the video,

Chatting with Governors Ball Planner Cheryl Cecchetto

YumSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:18:31 -0800

Last week we got to take a peek at what this year's Governors Ball is going to look like. As you can tell, it's going to be an extravagant affair with lush red velvet, shiny gold accents, red roses and gold orchids. Such an extravagant affair can only be pulled off by someone really spectacular, and that someone is special events producer Cheryl Cecchetto. For the 19th consecutive year, Cheryl will be overseeing every tiny detail from the 1,675 floating transparent globes to the 15 shades of red roses.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Cheryl, to find out what she has to say about the event, as well as hear her advice on how to host your own fabulous party,

You've Seen the Pics, Now See the Menu

YumSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:16:31 -0800

The Oscars are just around the corner — fill in your ballot for a chance to win fab prizes! — and last week I tempted you guys with photos from the Governors Ball preview However, I didn't give a full rundown on what was going to be served. If you were wondering what was pictured in the sea of tastiness, get prepared. I've got the full list — it's huge, over 350 people are on the culinary staff! — and let me tell you, it reads as tasty as the photos. To check out the complete menu,

The Governors Ball Will Be a Sea of Red and Gold

YumSugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:13:31 -0800

Last week, I gave you a sneak peek at all the delicious food that will be served at the Governors Ball, and this week I'm here to share a gallery of the look. The ball, which is being produced by Cheryl Cecchetto of Sequoia Productions, has been inspired by the fact that it's Oscars 80th anniversary. This year it's all about the gold of the Oscar and the red of the red carpet.

When I walked into the press preview, a sixth of the ballroom had been done up like it would on Oscar night. From the ceiling to the floor, not a single detail was overlooked. The ceiling was coated in glass bubbles that reflect the tiny lights, creating a starry look. The floor was coated in red carpet with gold runners, and the flowers — red roses and gold orchids — matched as well. The tables were either cozy lush velvet or cool, mirrored and sleek. The silverware was gold and the plates were clear. Mirrored walls and railings add another dimension, while mirrored tables and tufted chairs break up the space.

It's going to be a gorgeous event, fit for Hollywood's biggest night! To take a look at the entire gallery — that's just a sneak peek above! —

Governors Ball Chair Says the Party Will Go On

YumSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:12:31 -0800

Even if the Writers' Strike doesn't end soon — fingers crossed, Buzz says it could potentially end this week — Governors Ball Chair Cheryl Boone Isaacs is confident that the Oscars will happen and that the ball will go on. While at the Governors Ball preview, I was able to sit down and chat with Cheryl. When asked about the Writers' Strike she said:

The Oscars will happen and the ball will go on . . . What we all wish is that there's a resolution to this conflict, that there's a win-win for as many people as possible, and that Hollywood can get back to work.

I have to say, I definitely admire her positive outlook. I imagine that staying positive is the only way to deal with the situation. After all, with over 1,000 people needed to pull off the event, six months of planning and organizing, two weeks of preparty decorating, and tons and tons of money spent, it would be devastating to think otherwise. Could you imagine planning a party that might not happen?

To see what she has to say about pulling off such a big event during a high-stress time in the industry,

Wolfgang Does It Again! — Photos From the Governors Ball Menu

YumSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:45:18 -0800

Yesterday morning, amidst a sea of reporters and video cameras, Wolfgang Puck unveiled the menu for this year's Governors Ball. While it is still an organic and natural affair, this time it's all about simplicity. It's the 80th Oscar celebration and so the theme — for both the food and decor — is about making the simple things fabulous. From miniature kobe burgers, to parmesan mac n' cheese, this year Puck promises everything will be, "simple but refined."

There is going to be plenty of food including: passed hors d'oeuvres, a ceviche station, a noodle station, a shellfish station, a pizza station, a sushi station, antipasti and a Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef entree.

I was lucky enough to be there, and while I was able to see Wolfgang prep and cook several dishes — they smelled unbelievable! — I sadly didn't get to taste them. I did, however, manage to get some pics of all the fare. This is just the food that his crew will be producing, you can see the look, and I'll follow up with drinks and desserts soon!

Check out the full gallery — that's just a teaser above —

Puck to Cater the Oscars After Party

partysugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:58:31 -0800

For the fourteenth year in a row, Wolfgang Puck has been selected to create and cater the menu for the Governors Ball, the celebratory party that follows the Academy Awards. Puck will head a team of hand-picked chefs to cook, plate, and serve the 1,500 ball guests. Keeping up with the current trends in the culinary world, Puck states that the menu will highlight local ingredients. He said:

The Governors Ball is a singular event, and the food must be of equal caliber. Our menu will feature locally-grown, sustainable, and organic ingredients, providing guests with a culinary experience that will please even the most discerning of palates.

Among other delicious delicacies, Oscar-winners and A-List celebrities can look forward to Puck's minikobe burgers on brioche with sweet pickles and tuna tartare with wasabi aioli on togarashi toast.

Source

The Look of the Governors Ball, Part 2

partysugar — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:11:18 -0800

Last week I showed you images of the planned decor for the Governors Ball, the Academy Awards official after party. But what did the event space really look like moments before the stars rushed through the doors? How did the tranquil and chic decor transform with the addition of people? What did Wolfgang Puck look like as he ran down the red carpet with Oscar shaped edible hor d'oeuvres? For picture answers to the above questions,

Oscars Menu Recap: Recipes Galore

partysugar — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 02:26:42 -0800

Last Sunday I revealed Wolfgang Puck's all-star menu for the official Oscars after party, the Governors Ball, and all week I've featured recipes from the menu that Hollywood A-listers will be munching on tomorrow night. The decorations for the event are ready and awaiting the arrival of the celebrities. Everything, presumably, is prepared for tinsel town's biggest party. For the award winning menu, complete with recipes and pictures of Wolfgang Puck & Food and Wine's pre-Oscars party,

Awesome, Award-Worthy Appetizer

partysugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 10:43:18 -0800

I know I've completely bombarded you with fabulous recipes that Wolfgang Puck will be making at the Governors Ball and I apologize for tempting you with so much deliciousness. At least I'm not waving the food around in front of you and then quickly pulling it away before you can get any. I am posting the recipes for each of these edible masterpieces so you can make them in the comfort of your own home, while you gossip about what Reese and Cameron are wearing. You can add this one to the must-make-list: a tasty tapa recipe that will be passed on trays while the stars are arriving at the after party. The recipe is a little complicated, but worth the effort and time. To make spicy tuna tartare in a sesame miso cone as an appetizer at your next star-worthy event,

The Look Of The Governors Ball

partysugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 11:43:17 -0800

While we have to wait until Sunday to see what all of the stars will be wearing at the Oscars, I've been giving you a sneak peek of the recipes that will be served at the Academy Awards official after party, the Governors Ball all week long. As if knowing what the celebs will be eating wasn't enough, I've found some awesome pictures of the decorations at the event space. The Governors Ball is held in the Grand Ballroom on the top level of the Hollywood & Highland Center and is put on by Sequoia Productions (an event planning firm based out of Los Angeles). The decor is set in beautiful shades of white, cream, gold, butter, and burgundy with low lighting, wood details, thousands of candles, and fresh flowers everywhere. To take a peek at a gallery of photos of the actual decor plus lots of images of the food as well as Puck and his crew practicing the menu,

Wolfgang's Apfelstrudel

partysugar — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 16:13:12 -0800

No that is not a typo, apfelstrudel is the Austrian term for a classic apple strudel. Wolfgang Puck will be whipping up his version with fuji apples, plump raisins, and plenty of cinnamon this weekend for the stars at the Governors Ball. I'm a big fan of apple strudel and can't wait to try this recipe. Although I wish I was making it for Leonardo DiCaprio (like Wolfgang), but I'll have to settle for making it for my dad. Instead of slaving over the KitchenAid, I'll use Wolfgang's advice and simplify the recipe by substituting egg roll skins for homemade pastry dough. To make this delectable apple dessert for the star in your life,