Taking in the Glitz and Glamour of the Emmys Governor's Ball
Jill Weinlein
Chief Los Angeles Theatre Critic
After last night’s 70th Emmy Awards, nominees, guests, and presenters strolled along a massive red carpet to the L.A. Live Event Deck for the largest celebratory dinner party in Los Angeles. First guests received a bubbling flute of Ferrari Trento as they walked under 29,000 LED lights hanging from the ceiling illuminating the party and Hollywood's night sky.
For 21 consecutive years, Cheryl Cecchetto, owner and CEO of Sequoia Productions orchestrated a party the size of 9 NBA regulation basketball courts. Cecchetto invited this year Ferrari Trento, recently crowned the 2017 sparkling wine producer of the year at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships, to pour Blanc de Blancs, the Ferrari Brut NV Trentodoc for guests to clink glasses and sip. Other bubbly beverages poured included Ferrari Perle, Perle Rose' and the elegant Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore.
For those looking for a spirited drink, award-winning bartender Charles Joy made three handcrafted Ketel One Vodka Emmy Cocktails. A favorite was the Enlightenment cocktail made with strawberry-infused Ketel One Vodka with Sencha Green Tea, Aloe-Cucumber Liqueur and Strawberry, and Yuzu Pearls.
The tables were set and decorated with gold architecturally inspired vessels and accents holding cascading purple orchids, call-lilies and roses to add to the aura of modern opulence and glamour.
Tantalizing appetizers by Chef and Founder Joachim Splichal and Patina Catering, along with VP of Culinary Gregg Wiele and Patina Catering Executive Chef Alec Lestr were passed around the room. These esteem chefs prepared a lavish array of small plates enhanced with summer truffles, hand-carved flat iron steak with red wine Bordelaise and comfort dishes such as Patina's gooey grilled cheese with heirloom tomato soup.
All of these culinary delights were paired with Napa Valley winery Sterling Vineyards four wines. Guests drank the soon-to-launch Sterling Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon. The evening's winners were treated to a glass of the winery's flagship Sterling Vineyard Iridium Cabernet Sauvignon while waiting for their Emmy statuettes being personalized in the Emmy Winner's Circle. They also were gifted a bottle of this exclusive wine of which less than 1,200 bottles are made.
Desserts by Patina Catering Executive Pastry Chef Frania Mendivil and her team were a decadent spread of confections and pastries that range from hazelnut chocolate feuilletine, strawberry rhubarb tart, mini Mason jars of Harry's Berries strawberry shortcake and a vegan coconut chia seed tapioca.
For another sweet treat, Lindt Chocolate USA made its Emmy Awards debut this year as the official chocolate confectionery of the Television Academy. The Emmy Awards Green Room was renamed the Lindt Chocolate Lounge and was filled with brightly colored delicate chocolate that envelops pleasing smooth chocolate truffle inside.
The 70th Emmy Awards Governors Ball was a huge success and everyone walking out commented on how it was the best Hollywood party ever.