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Behind the Scenes at The Oscars

I covered Elton John's Academy Awards Viewing Party, which is always so much fun.  It's not as tense as being at The Oscars, where there is a lot of pressure on nominees to not only keep a pleasant look on their face all night, look perfect and relaxed, even though this is one of the biggest make-or-break nights of their lives.

Sir Elton John's party is the ultimate bash.  It costs $50,000 per table (what's that like $5,000 a head?).  Guests are serenaded by Elton on the piano, and always an incredible musical guest.  This year was Florence + The Machine.

The champagne and cocktails flow all night, there was a guarded Chopard jewelry gallery, a Godiva candy bar and the parting gift is a box of Godiva chocolates.

Since I'm obsessed with food - aren't we all - check out the menu by Chef Ludo of LA's Ludo Bites.

Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Viewing Party Menu
February 27, 2011

Starter
Red and yellow beets, lavender-honey milk, black berry compote

Second course
Goat cheese soup, crispy bacon, tofu, green apple condiments, brioche, rosemary

Third course
Sole "Meuniere", vadouvan brown butter, rainbow carrots, coconut polenta, candied kumquats
or
Marinated and seared beef tenderloin, smoked eggplant puree, pickled vegetables, fromage blanc, amaranth, charcoal oil

Fourth course
Mesclun salad, fresh herbs, raw vegetables, balsamic-shallot vinaigrette

Fifth/dessert course
Apple tarte tatin, orange creme fraiche, caramel syrup

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