January 8, 2015: How the Oscars Plan to Boost Ratings, California Brings Back Foie Gras, Celebrity Chef Will Cater Mass Wedding for Gay Couples

1. HOW THE OSCARS PLAN TO BOOST RATINGS: Looking to boost ratings for this year’s Academy Awards—which last year reached 45 million viewers—producers of the show are focusing more on social media in their $5.5 million budget for off-network media buys. Hollywood Reporter: “To strengthen its reach, Haworth [Marketing + Media] proposes the Academy increase its social media buy this year by 82 percent to slightly more than $500,000. By far the biggest chunk of cash—more than $2.9 million—will be spent on cable TV during the week before the Oscars. About $210,000 will go to such satellite providers as DirecTV and Dish, while $315,000 will be spent on social media. And during the show, the action will shift to social, with $73,000 allocated to Facebook and Twitter and $37,000 to Instagram. Not that the Academy is forsaking old-school media: Two billboards at Hollywood & Highland are booked for a cool $67,000.” http://bit.ly/1xIvDA0

2. CALIFORNIA BRINGS BACK FOIE GRAS: After a two-year ban, foie gras is fair game once again in California. A judge’s ruling against the state law means the French delicacy can return to menus immediately. San Francisco Chronicle: “California lawmakers passed the groundbreaking ban in 2004 amid concern that force-feeding poultry is inhumane. The law took effect eight years later, immediately putting a crimp in California’s dining scene, where the French-inspired fare is celebrated at many high-end restaurants for its rich, creamy flavor. ‘It goes on the menu tonight,’ said Ken Frank, chef and owner of Michelin-starred La Toque in Napa. ‘All of my sous chefs are jumping up and down. This means chefs in California can cook with their favorite ingredient, just like chefs everywhere else in the world.’” http://bit.ly/1BMNN39

3. CELEBRITY CHEF WILL CATER MASS WEDDING FOR GAY COUPLES: Immediately following a ruling that permits same-sex weddings in Florida, chef Art Smith has offered to cater a wedding for as many as 101 gay couples. Grub Street: “The chef announced he'll be throwing a free wedding at the James Royal Palm Hotel in Miami on February 21 for the first 101 couples who tweet at him using the hashtag #101GayWeddings. There's apparently a mystery minister presiding, and couples get to toast their vows over Champagne and slices from a ‘big’ custom cake by Duff Goldman.” http://grb.st/1HTkdwu

* LOCAL NEWS *

AUSTIN:  The fifth annual Texas Tribune Festival will return to the University of Texas at Austin campus October 16-18. The event, which focuses on politics and public policy, drew nearly 3,000 attendees in 2014.

BOSTON:  Zinneken’s Truck, a new local food truck, serves Belgian waffles with toppings such as bananas, whipped cream, and Nutella; it also serves hot chocolate.

CHICAGO:  Just Salad will open in the South Loop this spring. The fast-casual eatery will offer catering, and menu items include smoothies, wraps, and—of course—salads.

LAS VEGAS:  After five years, Shant Apelian will depart MGM Resorts International as public relations manager, moving on to a new corporate communications role with the Los Angeles Tourism Board that will also focus on meetings and conventions.

LOS ANGELES:  Patina has new culinary offerings for the new year, including a winter black truffle tasting menu available through mid-February.

Fiji Water bottles will have a refreshed look for the first time in a decade. The new bottles will appear at award season events such as the Weinstein Company’s Golden Globes after-party, the 20th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, the 21st annual Screen Actors Guild awards, and the 30th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards.

PaleyFest, the 32nd annual William S. Paley Television Festival, announced its first honorees: Scandal, The Good Wife, and Arrow. The event runs March 6-13 at the Dolby Theatre. Yahoo is the official media sponsor and will live stream all panel sessions.

Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  Viceroy Miami hotel has named Shannon McKenna its catering and event services director. Previously she was the general manager of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in Miami.

Campania Ristorante & Pizza, which serves Italian fare from Naples and the Amalfi Coast, opens today in the design district. It seats 140.

NEW ORLEANS:  Access Destination Services has expanded to New Orleans with Shelley Pigéon and Jill DiMarco of Signature Events. The 25-year-old destination management company will become Access New Orleans along with the 16 existing Access offices in North America.

NEW YORK:  The Rev. Jesse Jackson will deliver the keynote address at Social Media Week on February 25 at the Highline Stages.

Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork

ORLANDO:  Orlando World Center Marriott has appointed Ron Kerere as director of food and beverage.

PHILADELPHIA:  Ashfield Meetings & Events has appointed Jo Brook to its board of directors as its engagement director. The firm, which specializes in meetings and events for the healthcare industry, also announced Ian Anderson as head of creative.

PHOENIX:  Taste of the NFL will take place on January 31, during Super Bowl weekend, at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

TORONTO:  Vacay.ca, a site dedicated to travel within Canada, has named Toronto the top Canadian city to visit in 2015. Reasons for the honor include the fact that Toronto is hosting the Pan Am games in July, and because the Toronto International Film Festival will host its 40th anniversary iteration in September.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  A ticketed screening of the Screen Actors Guild awards Sunday at the Embassy of Croatia will feature the broadcast, refreshments, and artwork for sale, with proceeds benefiting the homeless service center Charlie's Place.

Washingtonian Bride & Groom magazine will host its “Unveiled” wedding showcase on January 25 at the Fairmont Hotel.

YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected]. 

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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, Jill Menze, and Anna Sekula in New York.

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