The 77th Golden Globes had its first-ever vegan menu. The decision was made by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the non-profit organization in charge of the Golden Globes. Eleven chefs, 50 bartenders, 120 culinary staffers, 160 stewards, and 250 servers created and distributed the revolutionary menu, which was created as a response to the climate crisis.
This year’s awards show was attended by 1,300 guests who converged at the Beverly Hilton hotel. The pre-show dinner was be a mouthwatering display of plant-based finery. On this year’s menu was a chilled golden beet soup topped with shaved candy-striped beets and pistachios, followed by a main course consisting of King Oyster mushroom “scallops” and wild mushroom risotto. For the finale, guests were dazzled by a a vegan opera dome dessert. Executive chefs Matthew Morgan and Thomas Henzi vowed that although the menu would be vegan, it wouldn’t be absent on luxury or flavor.
“The climate crisis is impossible to ignore and after speaking with our peers, and friends in the community, we felt challenged to do better,” Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, told CNN. “The decision to serve an entirely plant-based meal was embraced by our partners at the Beverly Hilton, and represents a small step in response to a big problem.”
Meat and meat-derived products contribute to global warming by requiring the mass-scale use of fertilizers, fuel, feed, water, and pesticides, according to Scientific American. Animals farmed for the purpose of slaughter release a large number of greenhouse gases, such as methane, as well as manure. Meat and poultry, consumed in large quantities, also contribute to coronary issues, high cholesterol, and even diabetes. Many vegetables and grains can be prepared to simulate the texture of meat. Seitan, soy, and even mushrooms like the ones being served at the 2020 Golden Globes, mimic the texture of beef, poultry, and seafood, with just a fraction of the fat and calories. Many of the vegetable ingredients can also be locally sourced as well, cutting down on the ceremony’s carbon footprint.
Good for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Plant-based eating is not only better for the environment, but it also has health benefits, too. With so many of Hollywood’s elite crammed into designer duds like tuxedos and perfectly tailored gowns, dining on lighter fare is a much better option for the evening. Skilled chefs have perfected vegetarian and vegan cuisine, elevating mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, kale, and quinoa to sophisticated dishes fit for royalty. Having meat and poultry at the Golden Globes isn’t even necessary anymore, since many celebrities head to fast-food franchises such as In-N-Out Burger or McDonalds post-ceremony anyway. Let the carnivores seek out their cravings by choice. Keeping awards dinners plant-based is an excellent next step toward Hollywood - as well as the media - practicing what it preaches when it comes to social and global responsibility.
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Source: CNN, Scientific American
