2009 - 61st Emmy Awards and HBO's party - 20/09

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thanks a lot Briteen

What: HBO's post-Emmy Awards reception

Where: The plaza at the Pacific Design Center

When: Sunday, Sept. 21

Entertainment: A DJ playing everything from Madonna to Justin Timberlake to Earth, Wind & Fire rocked some fierce beats. But what made the music stand out even more was the live drum accompaniment timed to match the beats of the music.

Decor: In a word, stunning. The theme of Brazilian carnivale included fire coming from candles in flower centerpieces and flaming torches, as well as lots of green décor and lighting. Two platforms high above the action let guests take in the entire scene below. The walls featured street murals hyping HBO and some of its party partners. It might be sensory overload, if it weren’t for the vast space and wonderfully laid-back vibe of the room.

Food: Portuguese chicken with potatoes, lemon, peppers and tomatoes; roasted sea bass with spicy red balana sauce and lemon; grilled black bean cakes with avocado and grilled sweet corn guacamole; banana and spice braised green empanadas with curry crème fraiche; Brazilian-style ratatouille with eggplant, tomatoes, sweet peppers and zucchini; guava panna cotta; coconut black rice pudding; Portuguese chocolate bread pudding; mango pudding. Not to mention the Godiva booth with a dozen different varieties of exotic truffles, which was a chocaholic’s dream come true.

Highlights: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Emmy winner Jeremy Piven and nominee Bret McKenzie from “Flight of the Conchords” banging on the drums with DJ Ravidrums as partygoers looked up and snapped pictures; “30 Rock” winner Alec Baldwin dancing with a bevy of female admirers; “90210’s” Michael Steger wandering over to young starlets Hayden Panettiere (“Heroes”) and Amanda Seyfried (“Big Love”), who had been chatting for a while; an influx of non-HBO stars trickling in from other parties, including Kate Walsh (“Private Practice”), David Boreanaz (“Bones,” not “The Bones,” Heidi) and Jennifer Morrison (“House”) sticking close to Amaury Nolasco (“Prison Break”). “The Amazing Race” executive producer Bert Van Munster, celebrating his sixth Emmy win, said he was going to go for No. 7 next year. And yes, that was Kenneth—er, Jack McBrayer—giddily downing a glass of Champagne (or was it white wine?) with a big ol’ smile on his face.