The always-glitzy official after-party of the
Oscars, The Governors Ball
is itself a blockbuster affair with a star-
studded guest list and show-stopping menu created
and executed by chef Wolfgang Puck.
<> on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Master chef Wolfgang Puck cooks a lobster with black bean sauce during a preview of the Governors Ball on Jan. 22, 2013 in Hollywood, Calif. Academy governor Jeffrey Kurland, event producer Cheryl Cecchetto and Puck will return to create this year's Governors Ball, the Academy's official post-Oscar celebration, which will immediately follow the 85th Academy Awards ceremony on Feb. 24. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
<> on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Sherry Yard, executive pastry chef of Wolfgang Puck's dining group, prepares deserts during a preview of the Governors Ball on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Academy governor Jeffrey Kurland, event producer Cheryl Cecchetto and Puck will return to create this year's Governors Ball, the Academy's official post-Oscar celebration, which will immediately follow the 85th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 24. The 1,500 guests include Academy Award winners and nominees, show presenters and other telecast participants. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
<> on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Mini Kobe burgers created by Master Chef Wolfgang Puck is displayed during a preview of the Governors Ball on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Academy governor Jeffrey Kurland, event producer Cheryl Cecchetto and Puck will return to create this year's Governors Ball, the Academy's official post-Oscar celebration, which will immediately follow the 85th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 24. The 1,500 guests include Academy Award winners and nominees, show presenters and other telecast participants. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
<> on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Sushi and shellfish station created by Master Chef Wolfgang Puck and chef Matt Bencivenga is displayed during a preview of the Governors Ball on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Academy governor Jeffrey Kurland, event producer Cheryl Cecchetto and Puck will return to create this year's Governors Ball, the Academy's official post-Oscar celebration, which will immediately follow the 85th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 24. The 1,500 guests include Academy Award winners and nominees, show presenters and other telecast participants. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
<> on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Smoked salmon Oscars and mini Kobe burgers created by Master Chef Wolfgang Puck are prepared during a preview of the Governors Ball on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Academy governor Jeffrey Kurland, event producer Cheryl Cecchetto and Puck will return to create this year's Governors Ball, the Academy's official post-Oscar celebration, which will immediately follow the 85th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 24. The 1,500 guests include Academy Award winners and nominees, show presenters and other telecast participants. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
<> on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. displayed during a preview of the Governors Ball on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Academy governor Jeffrey Kurland, event producer Cheryl Cecchetto and Puck will return to create this year's Governors Ball, the Academy's official post-Oscar celebration, which will immediately follow the 85th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 24. The 1,500 guests include Academy Award winners and nominees, show presenters and other telecast participants. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
<> on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Master chef Wolfgang Puck holds speaks during a preview of the Governors Ball on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Academy governor Jeffrey Kurland, event producer Cheryl Cecchetto and Puck will return to create this year's Governors Ball, the Academy's official post-Oscar celebration, which will immediately follow the 85th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 24. The 1,500 guests include Academy Award winners and nominees, show presenters and other telecast participants. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
<> on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Master Chef Wolfgang Puck (C) cooks a lobster with black bean sauce as sous chefs Matthew Bencienvega (L) and Michael Pennick look on during a preview of the Governors Ball on January 22, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Academy governor Jeffrey Kurland, event producer Cheryl Cecchetto and Puck will return to create this year's Governors Ball, the Academy's official post-Oscar celebration, which will immediately follow the 85th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 24. The 1,500 guests include Academy Award winners and nominees, show presenters and other telecast participants. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON – After probably starving themselves to squeeze into slinky, couture dresses and skinny Tom Brown tuxes to strut down the red carpet and sit patiently through all those acceptance speeches, there’s one place where all the Hollywood celebrities are going to end up after Sunday’s Academy Awards: The Governors Ball.
The always-glitzy official after-party of the Oscars, The Governors Ball is itself a blockbuster affair with a star-studded guest list, Hollywood power location (the Ray Dolby Ballroom on the top level of the Hollywood & Highland Center) and show-stopping menu created and executed by chef Wolfgang Puck.
Puck, who has been the master chef for the event since 1995, plans to use sustainable ingredients and farm produce.
“This year is going to be more fun,” Puck said during an interview at his D.C. restaurant The Source. “We’re going to serve over 50 dishes, all small plates, and the seating is going to be party seating — no formal seating.”
To delight the more than 1,500 guests, Puck and chef Matt Bencivenga are charged with crafting a menu to tantalize the demanding taste buds of Hollywood A-listers.
The two have created more than 50 Oscar-worthy dishes to be presented as both one- bite hors d’oeuvres and small-plate entrees that include Puck fan favorites like the smoked salmon Oscars and the ever popular chicken pot pie with shaved black truffles. Those calorie-conscious stars also can nibble on vegan treats that include kale salad with grilled artichoke and lemon vinaigrette or the beluga lentils with cauliflower and baby vegetables and farro.
A lover of comfort food dishes for big parties, Puck says he plans to serve macaroni and cheese with truffles and potatoes with caviar.
With all that to munch on, it’s our guess that a lot of those form-fitting gowns and slim-cut suits may need a little letting out Monday morning.
Not nominated for an Oscar this year? You can always party like an A-lister at these D.C. area viewing parties:
Art Soiree Productions Viewing Party 3100 South Street NW, Washington D.C. Hours: 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Tickets: $30 pre-sale and $40 general admission. More details here.
Feel the Oscar buzz at the fourth annual Art Soiree Productions live viewing of the Academy Awards at the Georgetown Ritz-Carlton. Hollywood glamour comes to life with a red carpet experience, live music by St. Charles String Quartet and a telecast of the 85th Academy Awards on multiple screens. The black-tie affair benefits Art Soiree’s local artistic efforts and raises funds that are used to support the organization’s initiatives, including local art exhibits showcasing local talents.
Kimpton’s Helix Lounge Oscars Happy Hour 1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington D.C. 20005 www.helixlounge.com
Kimpton’s Helix Lounge is rolling out the red carpet for all Washingtonians on Academy Awards night with its annual Oscars happy hour featuring a lineup of award-worthy specials. Watch all the red carpet glitz while lounging in front of the large flat-screen TVs. Dine on movie-themed burgers like Les Miserableu Burgers — a beef slider with bacon jam, blue cheese crumbles, arugula and horseradish aioli — and specialty cocktails like the Eye of the Tiger — a Life of Pi-inspired cocktail made up of Beefeater Gin, Marie Brizzard Pear Liqueur, fresh lemon juice, grenadine and a dash of Regan’s Orange Bitters.
