The Oscars always deliver a night to remember for film and fashion lovers, and the 94th Academy Awards were no exception. In addition to a night of memorable award wins and star-studded moments, the Oscars are also known for the pre- and after-parties. After two years of cancelled and virtual events around the world, the 2022 Oscars held in-person in Hollywood were unforgettable this year.
For Nashville’s Guidance Whiskey, featured in Chef Charly Houegba’s Oscar-themed menu at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, the event was even more memorable. The Lowes Hollywood Hotel stands right next to the Dolby Theatre where the annual award ceremony is held, and the Loews Vanderbilt Nashville’s Executive Chef brought a taste from home when he travelled to Los Angeles for the big event. Nashville’s own Guidance Whiskey was prominently featured on his menu, and a gaggle of international entertainment reporters covering the awards ceremony also got a preview from Houegban’s team featuring the Black-owned spirits brand. Local whiskey distiller Jason Ridgel is a graduate of Tennessee State University. He launched his first company at the age of 23 and hasn’t slowed down since, including launching Guidance Whiskey as a nod to his Southern roots and Tennessee’s whiskey traditions. His success is fueled by a strong desire to diversify the spirits industry and Jason is committed to mentoring the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs. The name “Guidance” was chosen to honor Ridgel’s ancestors, who passed down wisdom, excellence, and treasured traditions. Today, Guidance Whiskey is one of the few Black-owned premium craft small batch whiskey brands in the country and is now available to residents of 44 states.
At the 2022 Oscars, Guidance Whiskey was featured across the Lowes Hollywood Hotel’s five-course menu, starting with a Guidance Whiskey Basil Emulsion served on a quinoa, watermelon, and asparagus salad, with blackberries and raspberries. A Guidance Whiskey Bordelaise graced the second course, 20 Hour Neman Ranch Beef Short Ribs. A Honey Guidance Whiskey Glaze was featured on the Herbed Grilled Joyce Farm Airline Chicken Breast, and a Guidance Whiskey Pan Sauce dripped onto the American Kobe Rib Eye. To end the extravagant night, the last course featured drunken berries in a Tippers Tea and Strawberries Consommé with lime zest. “To receive an Oscar is one of the highest awards a filmmaker can receive, and Guidance Whiskey was honored to take part in the celebration this year,” said Jason Ridgel, founder, Guidance Whiskey. “We’re lucky to have built such a strong relationship with many local restaurants, including working closely with Executive Chef Charly Houegban to add a taste of Nashville to the menu at the Loews Vanderbilt Nashville. It was great to see Tennessee whiskey on the menu at the Loews Hollywood Hotel’s Academy Awards celebration as well.”