The 2013 Santa Barbara Film Festival Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film Gala, honoring Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker at The Bacara Resort & Spa in Goleta, California, was the kick-off event for the SBIFF Festival January 30 through February 9, 2014.

Bacara_Reardon Team

Bacara_Reardon Team

While the ballroom was transformed into a vision of elegance, Chef David Reardon and an army of kitchen staff were preparing an amazing feast featuring his braised short ribs, fresh fish, and a medley of organic asparagus served on a bed of creamy herb polenta. The delicious and creative menu also included a fresh greens salad with goat cheese and bacon, along with beautiful desserts prepared by the hotel pastry chef.

Bacara_Salad_Sbiff13

Bacara Salad

 Watching this amazing process it is obvious it takes a well trained and dedicated army to present a perfect evening of food, beverage and visuals as well as also attend to so many details that make it all blend together beautifully. Waiters and wine servers were rushing to set everything up in advance as guests enjoyed delicious bites and Moet & Chandon,  SBIFF champagne sponsor, on the patio.

Moet & Chandon

Moet & Chandon

Roger Durling, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival was busy welcoming guests and making introductions as celebrities walked the red carpet. Wines served during the gala dinner were from the Sunstone Vineyards and Winery, located in Santa Ynez, California. Sunstone was the inspiration for the 2014 SBIFF Poster.

RogerDurling, ForestWhitaker,_AngelaBassett, and Michael B. Jordan

RogerDurling, ForestWhitaker,_AngelaBassett, and Michael B. Jordan

Long time friend and Academy Award-winning actress Angela Bassett presented Forest Whitaker with the prestigious Kirk Douglas Award, and gave a very touching tribute to his career path and how meaningful his kindness has been to her personally over their twenty-five year friendship. Guest enjoyed dessert with champagne and coffee while listening to Whitaker, a very soft spoken and gentle spirit, explained how grateful he felt to be presented with this award while still in the process of building his career history. He said he was so very honored.

Bacarat_Dessert_SBIFF13

Bacara Dessert

The Bacara Resort & Spa dining facilities, overseen by Executive Chef David Reardon, include Mira Restaurant, where Frederick Dame Master Sommelier shares his skill in the renowned dining room. The Bistro featuring chef de cuisine Chris Turano offers Italian cuisine as its best, and The Spa Café is where healthy menu items abound. The Bacara Bar is a delightful room with a view that serves wonderful small plates, including an amazing grilled cheese and heirloom tomato soup, along with a bevy of cocktails, beers and wines.

 

For hotel reservations visit: www.bacararesort.com and for SBIFF information and tickets visit: www.sbiff.org.

 

by Bonnie Carroll