Wolfgang Puck to Create
2008 Governors Ball Menu

Beverly Hills, CA — For the 14th consecutive year, master chef Wolfgang Puck has been selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to create the menu for the Governors Ball, the celebration immediately following the 80th Academy Awards® presentation on Sunday, February 24, 2008.

“The Governors Ball is a singular event, and the food must be of equal caliber. Our menu will feature locally grown, sustainable and organic ingredients, providing guests with a culinary experience that will please even the most discerning of palates,” said Puck.

Wolfgang Puck Catering will be serving the Academy’s 1,500 Ball guests, which will include Oscar® winners, nominees, presenters and telecast participants.

The menu created by Puck and chefs Lee Hefter and Matt Bencivenga will feature several Ball favorites, including Mini Kobe Burgers on Brioche with Sweet Pickles, Tuna Tartare with Wasabi Aioli on Togarashi Toast, and Chef Sherry Yard’s gold-dusted chocolate Oscars®.

Working in a state-of-the-art kitchen adjacent to the Grand Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland Center®, Puck will lead a team of chefs, pastry chefs and culinary artists who will be responsible for the cooking, presentation and execution of the menu. “In keeping with the grandeur of the festivities, we hand-select our staff and begin training months prior to the big event to ensure a flawless outcome,” said Carl Schuster, CEO of Wolfgang Puck Catering.

Wolfgang Puck Catering, established in 1998, moved to its permanent home in the Hollywood & Highland Center in November 2001. The Wolfgang Puck Companies – which comprise 14 fine dining restaurants, more than 80 Gourmet Express fast-casual restaurants, premium catering services in over 32 exclusive venues nationwide, and quality kitchen and food merchandise – constitute a brand standing for a culinary passion for eating and dining well.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2007 will be presented on Sunday, February 24, 2008, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live by the ABC Television Network beginning at 5 p.m. PT. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

Editors: Downloadable images are available at http://photos.oscars.org.

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