Movie buffs and foodies get excited! It's almost Oscars time again and you know what that means: Hollywood glamour amazing movies and of course the legendary Governors Ball after-party. And who is the culinary king making sure all those A-listers are well-fed? None other than the one and only Wolfgang Puck! Get ready to drool because we have the inside scoop on what's on the menu for the 2025 Oscars Governors Ball and let's just say it sounds absolutely incredible.
31 Years of Deliciousness: Wolfgang Puck's Epic Reign Continues at the Oscars Governors Ball
Can you believe it? This year marks Wolfgang Puck's 31st time crafting the menu for the Governors Ball! That is a seriously impressive run. He's practically synonymous with Oscars night at this point. And every year he manages to keep things fresh exciting and totally delicious. He's a master of mixing classic favorites with inventive new dishes keeping both tradition and innovation on the plate which is exactly what the Oscars are all about.
Chicken Pot Pie Oscars & Beyond: A Sneak Peek at the Star-Studded Governors Ball Feast
So what can the lucky celebrities expect to devour after they hopefully clutch their golden statues? Well Puck’s menu for 2025 is inspired by Asian cuisine and it's packed with mouthwatering options. Don't worry though he's keeping some of the absolute must-haves that everyone expects. Like his iconic smoked salmon served on those super cute Oscar-shaped matzo crackers – a true Governors Ball staple! And yes the creamy dreamy cacio e pepe macaroni and cheese is back by popular demand. Thank goodness!
But Puck is not just resting on his laurels. He is always adding new temptations to the menu. This year get ready for:
- Potato Pave with Steak Tartare: A sophisticated bite that blends creamy potato with rich steak tartare. Sounds fancy!
- Loaded Tater Tots with Crème Fraîche and Caviar: Okay Wolfgang is clearly having some fun here. Tater tots but make them Oscars-worthy with crème fraîche and caviar. Talk about high-low perfection!
- Wild Mushroom and Pea Shumai: A delicate and flavorful Asian-inspired dumpling.
- Pea Agnolotti Pasta with Pea Tendril: Fresh and vibrant pasta dish showcasing spring flavors.
- Miyazaki Farms Wagyu with Wasabi Potato Puree and Truffle Ponzu: Indulgent and luxurious Wagyu beef with Japanese-inspired accompaniments. Expect melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
And because no Oscars feast is complete without dessert Puck is going all out there too. Think assortments of cookies pastries and of course his signature Oscar logo cookies. But wait for the experimental treats: tropical "Kit Kat" bars and an Oscar-shaped piña colada éclair. Plus made-to-order ice cream sundaes because why not?
Barbra Streisand's Chicken Pot Pie Obsession & Other Governors Ball Legends
Speaking of classics Wolfgang Puck's chicken pot pie is practically a celebrity in its own right. He even joked that he has to make it every year or he might not get invited back! Apparently Barbra Streisand is a huge fan and specifically asks for it. Puck said he told her "For you I make anything!" That's some serious celebrity endorsement right there. It shows how much tradition plays a part in the Governors Ball experience.
Toast Like an Oscar Winner: Signature Cocktails Premium Wines and Sake Flow Freely
Of course it is not just about the food. The drinks at the Governors Ball are just as impressive. Tequila Don Julio is back for their eighth year as the official tequila and acclaimed mixologist Charles Joly is crafting Signature Cocktails. Expect classics like the Golden Age Gimlet alongside new creations like an espresso cocktail with sea salt water - very intriguing!
Wine lovers rejoice! Champagne Lallier and Domaine Clarence Dillon are providing the premium bubbly and Bordeaux wines for the third year running. This year Domaine Clarence Dillon is even featuring a rare white wine La Clarté de Haut-Brion with only 1000 cases produced annually. Fancy! And in a nod to Puck's Asian-inspired menu Dassai sake from a top Japanese brand will be served for the first time ever.
Here are a few of the signature cocktail options if you want to sip like a star at your own Oscars viewing party:
- The Golden Age Gimlet: Made with Tequila Don Julio Blanco fresh pineapple juice lime juice and vanilla syrup. A refreshing and tropical twist on a classic.
- The Class Act: Features mint-infused Tequila Don Julio 1942 fresh lemon juice simple syrup and milk. An elegant and sophisticated milk punch.
- Standing Ovation: An espresso cocktail with Tequila Don Julio Alma Miel espresso Cremant du Limoux-fig syrup and smoked salt water. Perfect for a jolt of energy and complex flavors.
- Chocolate Espresso Martini: For a sweeter option try this vodka-based martini with Mozart Chocolate Cream Kahlua and espresso garnished with shaved chocolate.
Host Your Own Governors Ball (Minus the Red Carpet): Party Tips for Oscars Night at Home
Feeling some serious FOMO about not being at the Governors Ball? Don't worry you can bring some of that Oscar magic to your own viewing party at home. Cocktail expert Paul Zahn suggests picking a movie theme for your party menu inspired by Chef José Andrés’ advice. He mentioned "Como Agua Para Chocolate" as a great example. Get creative and have fun with it!
For drinks Zahn recommends greeting guests with a trendy Espresso Martini but with a chocolate twist using Mozart Chocolate Cream Liqueur. And for an easy show-stopping dessert just pour some chocolate liqueur over ice cream in a martini glass. Simple but elegant! The most important thing? Have fun celebrate the movies and maybe even try whipping up your own version of Wolfgang Puck's Chicken Pot Pie. Happy Oscars watching!