Oscar Award Viewing Party Recap – by Terri Stanley

Congratulations to San Diego Film Foundation’s Tonya Mantooth, Dale Strack, Honorary Chair Kristi Pieper and the devoted, hard-working staff, board of directors, ambassadors and volunteers for putting on a fabulous Oscar Awards Viewing party, to benefit the San Diego Film Foundation. The sun came out, the wind died down and the stunning, white curved La Jolla estate perched on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean set the stage for a glamorous evening of film and fun. Thankfully no one, mistakenly (or not!) wandered into the stunning infinity pool on the back patio at 6125 Terryhill Drive. With its ultimate indoor/outdoor open space, light and three floors of amazing views, this home provided the perfect venue for the biggest night in film. (btw this property is for sale for an amount just south of ten million dollars). Paparazzi filtered through the party all evening so be on the look out for coverage in La Jolla Light, Rancho Santa Fe Review, Discover North County, Modern Luxury and the trendy blog CityGirlGoneMom.com

Award winning chefs were sprinkled throughout the party and came with their game on, creating a delicious array of appetizers, entrees and desserts. The Marine Room’s celebrity Chef Bernard Guillas, with his usual charm, served up their signature lobster bisque and a sweet corn panna cotta, while Galaxy Taco (Chef Trey Foshee’s passion project) prepared popular mahi ceviche and short rib Barbacoa street tacos to the delight of the guests.  The caprese salads on skewers and lobster ravioli with beurre blanc, created by Chef Damaso Lee, were a hit with the crowd, along with a queso mac and cheese and barbecue pulled beef by Chef Michelle Velez of Pillbox Tavern in Solana Beach. Not to be outdone, Chef Drew McPartlin from Panache Productions worked hard all night to keep up with the demand for his lamb arrosticini, Thai duck curry and tuna poki.  Sprinkles cupcakes and coffee by Marea Coffee capped off the evening.

While the food was spot on, the libations offered to the 250 guests were on par with the elegant and urbane crowd. Guests were welcomed to the party with a champagne toast from Le Medallion champagne. Bel Vino provided an assortment of refreshing white wines-no red in this house!- with a smile that aimed to please. But what was particularly fun were the creative cocktails mixed downstairs by Snake Oil Cocktail Company, which specializes in immersive beverage experiences, such as the Oscar image floating in the middle of the drink… Perfecto!

Speaking of perfect, partygoers did not disappoint when it came to attire and the choices for both men and women ran the gamut from creative to elegant. The attractive crowd was teeming with style, fabric and color combined with a high-energy buzz that filled the beautiful rooms. Honorary Chair Kristi Pieper rocked it with her Spanish inspired Jovani floor length gown from Neiman Marcus. The velveteen dress with colorful floral in red, orange and green captivated the evening with a hint of sparkle and sass.

The Oscar party officially kicks off the 2017 season for San Diego International Film Festival, which promises to be its biggest year yet.  If the attendees that night are any indication, word must be spreading that this festival is one to watch and film lovers will want to participate in its sure success. The Film Insider Series second screening will be held on March 21st at the ArcLight La Jolla and there is still time to get the Film Insider Series or pick up your All Access VIP Pass at early bird pricing.

Terri Stanley is the creator, producer and host of the Emmy award-winning Boston lifestyle show styleboston and former executive editor of Boston Common magazine. Since moving to the San Diego area, she freelances as a lifestyle writer and short film producer and is on the Ambassador board of the SDIFF.  You can reach her at terri@sdfilmfest.com.