On 12 March 2023, the biggest names in cinema will gather for the Oscars, the most prestigious film event of the year. As every year, the event is a huge success. The Oscar nominations were announced last month and it has been revealed that British chef Elliott Grover will be helping to prepare the stars' evening meals.
30 years of Oscar delicacies
It is well known that Wolfgang Puck is the chef mogul who has long been responsible for the Oscars menu. After publishing his first cookbook, ’Modern French Cooking in the American Kitchen’, in 1981, he opened Spago restaurant on the Sunset Strip in 1982, which moved to Beverly Hills in 2000. Since then also opened a restaurant and operates among the best in the world. The Michelin-starred chef legend Wolfgang Puck has brought the a culinary citadel, when it opened Spago Budapest. The restaurant's executive chef István Szántó attended the Oscars dinner in 2022, where he introduced Hungarian cuisine to the stars. During the event, more than 100 different dishes from around the world were served, four of which were Hungarian. The paprikash chicken and the traditional Hungarian cake Eszterházy were a huge hit.
Wolfgang Puck has already asked many talented chefs to create the official Oscars party food, this year Elliott Grover has been given the honour.
Photo: 45 Park Lane Facebook
Elliott Grover
The British-born and renowned chef was just 15 when he emailed Chef Mark Hix to apply for a job at The Ivy restaurant. Much to his surprise, he was offered a trial day at Scott's Mayfair, which also belonged to them. They saw talent in him and after the trial period he was offered a permanent job. At 16, he joined the kitchen team for good, without any formal chef training. Having grown up in Cornwall, the westernmost county in England, he is a big fan of the seafood, so the oyster, the langusta, often appears on the menus he created.
Puck's protégé runs the kitchen at 45 Park Lane, one of the master chef's most important restaurants, CUT, in London's art deco icon.
Her perseverance and talent have made her a career star at a young age, but getting to the Oscars is not so easy. elitetraveler.com asked her how she did it.
„I asked if I could go and Wolfgang said, „Yes, why not?” I thought it was just a passing comment, but then two months ago he came to me and said, „I want you to prepare a meal”.
Photo: 45 Park Lane Facebook
British classics on the Oscar menu
One dish became three, so Grover created a full menu to be served to the stars at the 2023 Oscars after-party. The chef insisted on using what he knows best - British classics - for the menu. Grover took the opportunity to to new heights highlighted the basic British recipes. The fish and chips dish will be more than most people think, as it will be served with a goujon of fish. The chicken pie has also been revamped, using only the white meat of the chicken. „It's a very special recipe,” says Grover. Once the dome-shaped, golden pastry is made, it is sliced and served sprinkled with aromatic black truffles. It finishes with a delicious dessert, which will also be accompanied by classics. A layer of fruit jelly, then a layer of custard and cream, topped with a maraschino cherry. Grover will be joined by just one of his London team - chef Ibrahim Arif. But apart from him, there are at least 100 other chefs working ahead under his instructions.
„It all comes down to planning and execution. Although logistically it was not an easy task, as long as they follow my instructions to the letter, everything will be fine. - One rumour did strike my ear. Wolfgang might even ask me to prepare another meal at the last minute. Luckily I have a few ideas up my sleeve.” - he says calmly.
Photo: envatoelements
The 2023 Oscar menu is far from a one-night-only special. It will be available in London at 45 Park Lane until 31 March. And upstairs at BAR 45, guests will be treated to a limited edition golden Oscar cocktail.
Source : https://elitetraveler.com/finest-dining/oscars-menu-2023-elliott-grover
