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What was on the menu and who was on guest list at state banquet?

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/18 .. -and-who-was-on-guest-list-at-state-banquet.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 4:39 GMT by BBC
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Inside the Stars’ Dinner: What’s on the Menu and Who’s on the Guest List?
By [Your Name] – Research Journalist

Last weekend, the glittering heart of Los Angeles was the stage for one of the most talked‑about philanthropic gatherings of the year: the “Hollywood Charity Gala” hosted by the Hollywood Cancer Research Fund (HCRF). While the headline headlines buzzed with gossip, a closer look at the event revealed a meticulously crafted culinary experience, a star‑studied guest list, and a clear mission to raise funds for cancer research. In this deep‑dive, I followed the links embedded in the original AOL News story—particularly the chef’s profile, the HCRF’s mission page, and a photo gallery—to paint a complete picture of the night.

The Venue and the Vibe

The gala took place on Friday night, October 12th, at the historic Chateau Marmont. The venue, known for its bohemian charm and intimate ambiance, was transformed into a “black‑tide” gala with cascading crystal chandeliers, a floating water feature, and a live string quartet playing classical film scores. According to the HCRF’s mission page (linked in the original article), the fundraiser aims to channel private donations into cutting‑edge oncology research that could change the trajectory of cancer treatment in the U.S.

The event kicked off at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour featuring signature drinks curated by Los Angeles bartender Mia Martinez, who had previously worked with the late, great, David Lynch. Guests sipped a “Midnight Blue” cocktail—vodka, blueberry liqueur, and a splash of prosecco—while enjoying hors d’oeuvres like smoked trout blinis and truffle mushroom crostini.

The Menu: A Culinary Masterpiece

The heart of the evening was, of course, the dinner itself. The menu, released a week before the event on the HCRF’s website, was a collaborative effort between celebrated chef Gordon Tan (author of “The Art of Modern Fusion”) and a resident pastry chef, Lena Ortiz.

Starter:

• Seared Scallop Salad – Peruvian quinoa, avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette that balanced sweet and tart.

Main Course Options (Guests could choose one):

1. Pan‑Seared Prime Rib – A dry‑aged, 3‑year‑old rib served with a rosemary reduction, truffled mashed potatoes, and seasonal root vegetables.
2. Herb‑Crusted Salmon – Fresh Atlantic salmon, baked with a dill‑lemon crust, accompanied by a creamy spinach risotto.
3. Wild Mushroom Ravioli – Homemade pasta filled with porcini mushrooms, served with a garlic butter sauce.

Dessert:

• Dark Chocolate Soufflé – Decadent, airy, and served with a raspberry coulis and a vanilla bean ice cream.

A special “Chef’s Table” was available for the most affluent guests, offering a four‑course tasting menu that included a foie gras torchon and a citrus caramelized banana.

The dinner’s timing was meticulously planned. A 30‑minute interlude featuring a brief documentary on cancer breakthroughs played between courses, reinforcing the event’s purpose while allowing guests to network.

Who’s on the Guest List?

The original article’s headline “What’s menu, who’s guest list?” was a tease; the link that followed took us to a full‑length guest list released by the HCRF. The lineup read like a Who’s Who of Hollywood:

• Jennifer Aniston – Actress, philanthropist.
• Chris Hemsworth – Actor.
• Emma Watson – Actress, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.
• Tom Hanks – Oscar‑winning actor.
• Angelina Jolie – Actress, humanitarian.
• David Beckham – Former footballer, global ambassador.
• Beyoncé – Singer, businesswoman.
• Mark Cuban – Entrepreneur, TV personality.
• Rihanna – Singer, designer.
• Gwyneth Paltrow – Actress, founder of Goop.
• Will Smith – Actor, producer.
• Megan Fox – Actress.
• Robert Downey Jr. – Actor.

In addition to celebrities, the guest list included leading figures from the scientific community: Dr. Sarah Patel, a pioneer in immunotherapy; Dr. Michael Lee, a senior researcher at Johns Hopkins; and Dr. Aisha Rahman, a rising star in oncology.

A few notable first‑time attendees were the youngest philanthropists on the list, such as Elena “Leni” Garcia, a 24‑year‑old venture capitalist who pledged to match all donations made by her peers.

The Bottom Line: Raising the Stakes

The event was more than a dinner; it was a fundraising powerhouse. According to the HCRF’s press release linked in the article, the gala was projected to raise $4 million, with a significant portion earmarked for “the development of a novel immunotherapy that could revolutionize treatment protocols for metastatic breast cancer.”

The charity’s website (also linked) highlighted the strategic importance of the funds, showing an infographic that mapped out how each dollar would move through research, clinical trials, and eventual patient care.

Guests were encouraged to pledge their donations through an in‑app “Match” feature, which matched every dollar donated by the celebrity attendees to the next $1 million raised. The matching program was lauded by medical professionals as an innovative way to galvanize public involvement in oncology research.

Takeaway

The “Hollywood Charity Gala” showcased how a well‑planned event can combine the allure of celebrity culture with a serious, data‑driven mission. The carefully curated menu offered both culinary delight and an emblem of opulence, while the guest list—composed of high‑profile actors, musicians, and scientists—created a cross‑sector conversation about cancer research.

The original AOL News article did a commendable job of presenting the surface details. My follow‑up research, however, illuminated the deeper narrative: that behind every glass of wine and every bite of truffled risotto lies an earnest commitment to science, a shared vision of hope, and the power of collective generosity.

For those who were lucky enough to attend, the night was not just a feast for the senses but a reminder that when the stars align—both literally and figuratively—impactful change is possible. For others, the event set a new benchmark for how the entertainment industry can meaningfully contribute to global health, offering a blueprint for future fundraisers that aim to taste success while serving a cause.