Ask A Chicago Expert: Tips On Throwing An Oscars Party

Snuggled next to the L tracks and firmly planted in the city's theater and arts district, theWit is that sassy stack of bricks with the yellow lightening bolt down its side beckoning guests to come in out of the cold and into the cool. More than a few Oscar parties have been thrown in the hotel's space called SCREEN, a private high-definition, multimedia theater hosting up to 50 cinema fans with plush recliners and sofas, cocktails and custom menus. There's no better way to enjoy the Oscars telecast than with like-minded cinema fans, adult bevvies and food.

Michael Simon
Beverage Director
theWit Chicago
 201 N State St
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 467-0200
thewithotel.com

Chicago native Michael Simon, recently named Beverage Director for theWit, was a screenwriting major at Columbia College who exchanged storyline creation for the alchemy of pairing flavors and tasting menus. His work helped earn his employers the Oscars of the culinary world, Michelin Stars at Graham Elliot and Acadia, and he put his visionary brand on Carriage House, Celeste and Charcoal Bar, among others. The Ukrainian Village resident earned the distinction of sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2010.

Get Your Guests Excited About The Event

In your Invite, let the guests know there will be a fun competition! Everyone will have ballots and choose their pick for every single award before the television show starts. For a light-hearted prize, suggest each guest bring a bottle of wine, or beer, or spirit they are fond of to be the bounty for the big winner!  Orchestrating prizes of this nature keeps the mood light and offers a much more mindful touch than cash.

Lubricate From The Get-Go

Have a welcome cocktail ready as your guests arrive - something luxurious and festive will set the mood for a star-studded evening.  Here's a great one.

The Golden Statue

•        .5 oz Rothman & Winter Apricot Liqueur
•        1 oz Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac
•        2 Dashes Orange Bitters ( I love using 'The Bitter Truth' brand)
•        Ruinart Blanc des Blanc Champagne
•        Method: in a shaker tin, combine all ingredients, save for the champagne, and fill halfway with ice; very quickly shake and strain into a Champagne Flute… top off with Champagne

Drinking Games Offset The Boring Stuff

The Ceremony is a blast… but it is long. To keep everyone engaged, perhaps set a tongue-in-cheek stipulation. For example, whenever any musical number comes on (planned or unplanned), everyone takes a shot. In this case, we want to have fun, but be safe and responsible, so I suggest making something low in alcohol and easy-drinking:

And The Winner Is: MOSCOW MULE SHOTS!

• .5 oz Absolut Elyx vodka
• .25 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 1 oz of your favorite ginger beer: I love Fentiman's
• Method: combine in a small glass, make a quick stir, and enjoy

Related: Best Places To Buy Cookies In Chicago

Have A Communal Drink Relating To One Of The Films

Now, during the ceremony, a communal offering is very apropos — something bright that will put a smile on everyone's face. In this instance, there's nothing more fitting than Rum Punch.

Mad Max: Fury Bowl

•        1 bottle Cana Brava Rum
•        1/2 bottle Cherry Heering
•        1 /2 bottle Pierre Ferrand Dry Orange Curacao
•        2 oz Absinthe: I prefer Vieux Pontralier
•        20 shakes Angostura Bitters
•        1 bottle Small Hand Foods Pineapple Syrup www.smallhandfoods.com
•        16 ounces fresh-squeezed lime juice
•        32 ounces club soda: I love Fever Tree
•        Method: combine all elements except the club soda in a large Punch Bowl, then add a few generous scoops of crushed ice and stir vigorously; afterward top with club soda, stir lightly again, then add a medley of diced fruit of your choice!

You Better Feed These People

Regarding food: keep it simple. Your guests are going to graze, converse and enjoy the show. In this instance: Charcuterie, cheese, artisanal bread / crackers / accoutrements, smoked salmon, antipasti grilled vegetables… all of this will wow your party and allow everyone to feel comfortable and eat at their own pace.

Related: Best Artisan Cheese Shops In Chicago

Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.