By Alesandra Dubin – Buzbash.com
February 27, 2012

Call it Hollywood drama: The 84th annual Academy Awards took to the Kodak Theatre last night, only it’s not called the Kodak anymore. The bankrupt company pulled out of its naming-rights contract earlier this month, so for now the venue is known generically as the Hollywood & Highland Theater. Among the other changes to the big night was the insertion of Billy Crystal as host, after Eddie Murphy pulled out of hosting duties following original producer Brett Ratner’s resignation. (Ratner did so under heavy pressure after making gay slurs last year.)

But here’s something that didn’t change significantly on Oscar night: There wasn’t a major shake-up in importance of the biggest and most buzzed-about events: the Governors Ball hosted by the Academy after the show, Vanity Fair‘s viewing bash, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation fund-raiser. All three galas were back on the scene commanding their typical A-list attendance and frenzy of media attention (albeit with some format and venue changes). Some guests at these events also made their way to Madonna’s well-known annual party, which this year was not co-hosted with Demi Moore, who has been tending to her own much-publicized issues.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation viewing bash, produced by V Productions, moved to a new location this year: the redesigned West Hollywood Park. The event’s guest count ballooned to 890 from last year’s 750 and offered a five-course dinner from chef Cat Cora with support from Crumble Catering. Given that West Hollywood hasn’t even opened the park yet, it stopped construction in order to keep the prestigious party within the city limits after its move from the Pacific Design Center. Chopard, Neuro, and Wells Fargo sponsored, and Foster the People performed. The fund-raising event took in $5.25 million, thanks in part to auction items like the opportunity to join John and husband David Furnish at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, which fetched $230,000.

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The Elton John AIDS Foundation celebrated its 20th annual viewing party at the newly redesigned West Hollywood Park, a change of venue from its usual haunt, the Pacific Design Center. Virginia Fout of V Productions produced the event, which this year got a blue, nautical-inspired look with design by Antony Todd. The fund-raising event took in $5.25 million, thanks in part to auction items like the opportunity to join John and husband David Furnish at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, which sold for $230,000. Chef Cat Cora, supported by Crumble Catering, prepared a five-course meal for guests that included sesame-encrusted lamb meatballs with harissa yogurt, sautéed sea bass with lemon couscous and piquillo pepper saffron sauce, and chocolate budino with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for EJAF

Original Slideshow

By Jennifer Toth – Examiner.com
FEBRUARY 26, 2012

Who can have an Oscar Viewing Party and celebrate a 20th anniversary in style? Sir Elton John, of course. Tonight’s Oscar Viewing party will also be combined with his celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

And Sir Elton is not sparing any expense. According to TMZ, the price per person is $3,500!! Chef Wayne Elias is catering this party for the 8th year.

Here is the menu:

• Roasted Tomato “Raisins” with Bocconcini, Bloody Mary Vinaigrette and Basque-Rubbed Grilled Prawn
• Sesame-Encrusted Lamb Meatball with Harissa Yogurt, White Bean-Tahini Puree and Crisp Mint
• Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Peperonata Rustica & Chimichurri Sauce with Leek Bread Pudding and Spicy Broccoli Rabe OR Sautéed Sea Bass with Lemon Cous-Cous and Piquillo Pepper Saffron Sauce with Caramelized Brussels Sprouts OR Tricolore Salad of Endive, Rocket and Radicchio with Pistachio Vinaigrette and Shaved Truffled Pecorino
• Chocolate Budino with Ginger Crème Anglaise and Fresh Berries & Apple and Pear Tart with Salted Caramel Sauce and Chantilly

Chef Elias is honored to help The Elton John AIDS Foundation, ” It is a very passionate part of my being to help raise money and the needs that people with HIV/Aids need to survive and live normal lives.”

Original Article 

By Xtina – Wheremagazine.com
FEBRUARY 24, 2012

If you’re planning your own Oscar party, start cooking now. Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck says the biggest mistake people make is leaving all the food prep and cooking until the last minute. He says creating comfort food similar to what is being served at the Governor’s Ball is easy. You can gather your ingredients and prep your dishes a day or two ahead of time, then and cook them on Sunday just before you’re ready to serve. Find our picks for top Oscar Party recipes below, and for more Oscar Party tips, link to download the official app and ballot for your party go to: oscar.go.com

COCKTAIL

Red Carpet Glamour
Create the very same Moet & Chandon Champagne cocktails that celebs will be sipping at the Governors Ball:

• Fill a chilled Champagne flute 1/2 way with ice.
• Stir one ounce of fresh-squeezed sour mix and Hum botanical spirit with fresh ice.
• Strain into flute to fill 1/2 way.
• Top with Moet & Chandon Imperial.
• Continually refresh as you wish with Moet & Chandon Imperial as the Champagne will float on top of the Hum sour.

Fresh squeeze sour mix preparation: Combine one cup sugar with one cup water until sugar is completely dissolved. Add one cup fresh lime juice and one cup fresh lemon juice and refrigerate.

STARTER

Chinese Spoons with Siracha Tuna Tartare, Daikon Sprouts
(Recipe courtesy of Wayne Elias, co-owner with Chris Diamond of Los Angeles-based Crumble Catering and Vermont Bar and Kitchen, who both will support celebrity chef Cat Cora with creating the food for the 20th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation’s (EJAF) Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party.)

2 Dozen Servings

• 10 ounces of fresh ahi tuna sushi grade
• 1 tsp. siracha sauce
• 2 tblsp. Light soy sauce
• 1 tsp. Finely diced ginger
• 1 tsp. Finely chopped cilantro
• ½ tsp toasted white sesame seeds
• 1 cup of daikon sprouts- use only the flower sprout and a little stem

Mix all ingredients in a bowl except the sesame seeds and the daikon sprouts.

Adjust seasoning to taste. Please in each Chinese spoon ½ ounce of tuna mixture and garnish top with daikon sprout.

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By Trudy Ring – Advocate.com
FEBRUARY 24 2012

All over the nation, people are getting ready for Oscar-night parties. But not everyone is expecting 900 guests, like gay Los Angeles chef and caterer Wayne Elias.

Elias is in his eighth year of catering the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Academy Awards Viewing Party, one of the most stellar events of the season and one that raises much-needed funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, plus efforts to fight stigma and discrimination associated with the disease.

For Elias, executive chef of Crumble Catering and the restaurants Vermont and Rockwell Vt. (all co-owned with Chris Diamond), the gig is an opportunity to work for a cause that’s extremely important to him. “I have lost friends and lovers to the disease and have been passionate about the cause for 25 years,” he says.

Sir Elton has become one of the cause’s major benefactors. His U.S. foundation, established in 1992, and its U.K. counterpart, set up in 1993, have raised more than $225 million for projects in 55 countries to date. The Oscar party, a major source of those funds, draws a crowd that includes many top celebrities to enjoy fabulous food in a sumptuous setting.

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by Lesley Balla – KCET
February 23, 2012

Fancy grilled cheese finger sandwiches

When the world turns to Hollywood for Oscar Week buzz, we turn to the parties. Specifically our own viewing parties and what we’ll serve because we, like the majority of the world, will never walk the red carpet in front of the Kodak Theater, nor will we attend any of the splashy after parties to nibble and nosh with celebrities. But we can look to the caterers who feed them for ideas.

In addition to the main fetes –The Governor’s Ball, which Wolfgang Puck has catered for 18 years, and the Vanity Fair shindig — another biggie of the night is the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, which has raised millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS research, education and outreach for more than 20 years. And for the last eight years, Wayne Elias and Chris Diamond, and their company, have been in charge of the food.

By Lindsay William-Ross – Laist.com
February 22, 2012

Chris Diamond, Elton John, and Wayne Elias at last year’s EJAF Academy Awards Viewing Party (Photo courtesy Crumble Catering)

For the 20th year, the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) will be host to a star-studded and delicious evening of Academy Awards gold at their Oscar viewing party in West Hollywood. This five-course catered dinner and celebration is the most highly visible and successful fund-raising event in Hollywood on Oscar night, and has raised millions of dollars to support the work of the EJAF.

The event is being catered for the eighth year by Crumble Catering, a local outfit owned and operated by Wayne Elias and Chris Diamond, who also own Vermont, one of Los Feliz’ most popular restaurants and bars. Each year the EJAF teams Crumble Catering with a celeb chef (last year it was Ludo Lefebvre) to put together a dazzling menu for their guests. This year’s shindig’s celeb chef is Cat Cora, whose own cooking style is influencing the evening’s tantalizing eats.

We checked in with Chef Elias about this year’s menu and working with “Iron Chef” Cora.

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By Alesandra Dubin – Bizbash.com
February 21, 2012

The Elton John AIDS Foundation fund-raiser will move from the Pacific Design Center to West Hollywood Park this year. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com

The 84th annual Academy Awards on Sunday will bring on their heels a whirlwind of related parties, suites, and other events, big and small. But on the big night this year, don’t expect a major shake up to the importance of the top three major events—the Governors Ball hosted by the academy, Vanity Fair‘s viewing bash, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation fund-raiser—which will be back on the scene commanding their typical A-list guest attendance and frenzy of media attention (albeit with some format and venue changes). Afterward, however, newcomer Maximwill attempt to claim ownership of the late-night spot.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation viewing bash will take to a new venue this year: the redesigned West Hollywood Park. The guest count will balloon to 890 from last year’s 750, with the dinner catered for the eighth year by Crumble Catering. Given that the city of West Hollywood hasn’t even opened the park yet, it stopped construction in order to keep the prestigious party within the city limits after its move from the Pacific Design Center. Chopard, Neuro, and Wells Fargo will sponsor, and Foster the People will perform. Production comes from V Productions.

The academy’s Governors Ball will draw 1,500 guests after the show to the Grand Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland Center with production by Sequoia Productions led by Cheryl Cecchetto, and a retooled experience she said is meant to “energize” the room: Guests will dine on more than 50 mostly tray-passed dishes from Wolfgang Puck, instead of the typical sit-down dinner.

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Celebrity Chef Cat Cora to Prepare Specialty Menu for Guest; Foster the People to Perform

PR Newswire

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 25, 2012

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) will celebrate its 20th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 26, 2012 at the newly re-designed West Hollywood Park in Los Angeles. Sir Elton John and David Furnish will host the gala event sponsored by Chopard, Neuro and Wells Fargo. This year celebrity chef Cat Cora will prepare a special menu to be served to guests seated to watch a live telecast of the 84th Academy Awards. Following dinner, Grammy nominated Foster the People will take the stage to perform.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100203/LA48779LOGO)

The Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party is the most highly visible and successful fund-raising event in Hollywood on Oscar night. Over the past 20 years, this annual event has raised millions of dollars thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s supporters. The money raised is used to increase EJAF’s investments in its grant-making initiatives, which support HIV prevention and treatment programs, stigma reduction efforts, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially marginalized populations with special needs.

This annual event has historically attracted the biggest names from the culinary community to prepare dinner for guests and this year is no exception. Celebrity chef Cat Cora, supported by Los Angeles Crumble Catering, will prepare an exquisite 5-course meal for guests that will include sesame encrusted lamb meatballs with harissa yogurt, sauteed sea bass with lemon couscous and piquillo pepper saffron sauce, and chocolate budino with whipped cream and fresh berries. Cat Cora made television history when she became the first and only female Iron Chef on The Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” has authored three top-selling cookbooks, and opened three restaurants including Cat Cora’s Kitchen, which opened in April 2012.

Following dinner Grammy nominated Foster the People will perform for guests. Best known for their hit single “Pumped Up Kicks” off their debut album Torches, this trio will have guests moving to their towering choruses, gut-leveling lyrics and rhythmic beats.

This year’s event co-chairs are Bill & Tani Austin, Johnny & Edwina Barbis, Ted Danson & Mary Steenburgen, Ellen DeGeneres & Portia De Rossi, John Demsey, Drs. Jeffrey & Nancy Gallups, Tim Hanlon & Anthony Klatt, David Geffen, Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka, Hugh Jackman & Deborah-Lee Furness, Diana Jenkins, Quincy Jones, Ryan Kwanten, Fred Latsko, Sandra Lee, Baz Luhrmann & Catherine Martin, Eric & Janet McCormack, Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne, Tyler Perry, Caroline Scheufele, Sharon Stone, Steve Tisch, Steven Tyler, Edward Walson and John Waters.

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION – The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) was established as a nonprofit organization in the United States in 1992 and as a registered charity in the United Kingdom in 1993 by Sir Elton John. Together, both entities have raised more than $225 million for worthy programs in 55 countries around the globe since inception. Today, the Foundation is one of the world’s leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations supporting innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. The U.S. organization’s current grant-making priorities target HIV prevention programs throughout the United States, the Americas, and the Caribbean; HIV prevention and care services for highly marginalized and vulnerable populations; and HIV/AIDS prevention education and the promotion of sexual health for adolescents. For more information, please visit www.ejaf.org.

CHOPARD – Founded in 1860, the House of Chopard is represented around the world through 1,600 points of sale and over 130 boutiques. Owned and headed by the Scheufele family since 1963, Chopard currently operates three production sites – Geneva and Fleurier in Switzerland, and Pforzheim in Germany – and employs 1,900 people worldwide. This Scheufele family is profoundly dedicated to core values of independence, innovation, creativity, quality, knowledge preservation and social commitment. A privileged partner of the cinema and closely involved with the world of classic car races, Chopard has built its reputation on iconic lines such as “Happy Diamonds” and “Mille Miglia.” In the past twenty years, Chopard has further developed its expertise in Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie. Every year, around 75,000 jewelry creations and 75,000 watches emerge from the company’s workshops, each crafted in-house by gifted artisans. Caroline Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard has supported the Elton John Aids Foundation for 12 years with a collection of watches benefiting the foundation as well as a partnership with the Annual EJAF Oscar Party and EJAF White Tie and Tiara Wall. For more information, please visit: www.chopard.com

NEURO DRINKS – NEURO – Neuro delivers a system of drinks developed to upgrade your life. Each drink is formulated by leading experts in the areas of nutrition & food science, neurocognitive research, and clinical nutrition, to include a blend of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and proprietary dietary ingredients to enhance specific aspects of our lives: When we need to push the limit, NeuroPassion; When we’re mentally foggy, NeuroSonic; When we’re tossing and turning, NeuroSleep; When the clouds take over, NeuroSun; When our thirst can’t be quenched, NeuroAqua; When we’re stressed, NeuroBliss; When we sweat it all out, NeuroSport; When we slack on our diets, NeuroTrim. Neuro is the convergence of true function and flavor that creates an operating system for life optimizing everything from brainpower to willpower. To satisfy your thirst for perfection, Neuro is available at premium retailers nationwide and in the United Kingdom. For more information please visit www.drinkneuro.com.

WELLS FARGO – Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com and wachovia.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. We want to help all of our customers succeed financially and create long-term economic growth and quality of life for everyone in our communities. In 2011, the Company invested $213 million in grants in 19,000 nonprofits, and team members contributed more than 1.3 million volunteer hours around the country. For more information, please visit: www.wellsfargo.com/about/csr

AMERICAN AIRLINES – American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,300 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American’s award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 10,000 daily flights to 149 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

American Airlines is the official sponsoring airline of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

SOURCE Elton John AIDS Foundation
Website: http://ejaf.org

Original Article 

It was a beautiful day to celebrate the upcoming arrival of former Without a Trace star Roselyn Sanchez’s baby girl — and Roselyn’s good friend Eva Longoria was on hand at the actress’ lavish baby shower in LA on Nov. 5.

Roselyn had envisioned a “classy, glamorous” shower with “lots of flowers [by Maggie Jensen Floral Event Design] and good yummy brunch food” — and that’s exactly what she got from designer Troy Williams of Simply Troy Lifestyle + Events.

“Troy did an incredible job of creating everything I wanted,” Roselyn tells Life & Style.

So what did Roselyn, Eva and other guests munch on? A beautiful brunch catered by Crumble Catering/Vermont and Rockwell restaurants, consisting of omelets with all sorts of toppings, scalloped potatoes, and a massive waffle station with fruits, bacon, sausage and monkey bread! An extravagant red-velvet-and-vanilla cake created by Charm City Cakes West topped off the yumminess.

“Everything was exquisite,” Roselyn, who was also treated to goodies from Johnson’s Natural line, raves to Life & Style.

But like every expectant mom who still wants to feel sexy, Roselyn, 38, made sure she looked stunning. She wore a beautiful purple strapless gown and 5-inch-heels. She admits to Life & Style, however, that her back hurt all day. Luckily, Roselyn could kick back and relax on beautiful furniture and accessories from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child and Layla Grace.

“I still wanted to look cute and fabulous, so I dealt with [my outfit],” Roselyn, who’s expecting her first child with hubby Eric Winter, tells Life & Style. “By the end of the day, I was barefoot with dirty feet!

“Everything is exciting. Just knowing that I’m bringing life into this world is a miracle.”

Photo Credit: Startraks; Jen St. John Photography

Original Article