If you have been looking at all of our pictures of delicious food events with envy, fear not. You have not missed out. This weekend, the LA Times’ “Taste of LA” once again takes over the Paramount lot with three days of food, cocktails, cooking demos and panels. If you are an LA Times member, you save $25 off of each event. Become a member here. There are also special perks for Citi members including skipping the line, which is a seriously major perk. Check out the special Citi pass here.
Friday night’s opening event has already sold out, unfortunately. There are, however, four amazing strolling tasting events to choose from. Who am I fooling? It’s impossible to choose! Buy the weekend pass!
“Field to Fork” Saturday August 30 11am-3pm
Saturday afternoon’s “Field to Fork” is aimed not only at foodies, but at home cooks as well. The theme revolves around fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Expect participating restaurants to make use of the last of summer’s bounty like fresh tomatoes, corn and stone fruits. Hosting the event is Russ Parsons, The Times’ Food Editor, with co-host, Nancy Silverton. Some of the restaurants offering up tastes are Eveleigh, BOA Steakhouse, Loteria Grill, Coni’Seafood and Canelé. 21+
“Dinner with a Twist” Saturday Aug 30 7:30-11pm
Saturday night’s “Dinner with a Twist” is one big cocktail party. It is usually the weekend’s most “grown-up” event. This is definitely the night to call Uber. Bites will probably be a little more upscale and daring. Hosting responsibilities are shared between Betty Hallock, Jenn Harris, John Sedlar and Julian Cox. On the schedule are combination cooking and mixology demos by the likes of Ricardo Zarate and Deysi Alvarez (Mo-chica/Picca/Paiche) and Michael Hung and Michael Lay (Faith & Flower). Participating restaurants include Faith & Flower, BierBeisl Imbiss, Ditmas Kitchen & Cocktails, RivaBella, Chaya Restaurants and The Church Key. 21+
“Sunday Brunch” Sunday Aug 31 11am-3pm
“Sunday Brunch” is the one event where children are not only expected, but catered to. Traditionally, this event feels more like a picnic or BBQ and restaurants often provide kid-friendly food like upscale sausages and ice cream. This year the theme is brunch, so you may even get some waffles. Sunday Brunch is hosted by Noelle Carter and Thomas Keller. The day’s most enticing event is a panel on “20 Years of The French Laundry” featuring Russ Parsons (moderator), Thomas Keller (Chef/Proprieter Thomas Keller Restaurant Group), Jeff Cerciello (Farmshop), David Breeden (The French Laundry), and Timothy Hollingsworth (Broad Museum Restaurant). Fred 62, Artesana Popsicles, Pinches Taco, Farmshop, and the Grilled Cheese Truck will represent, as well as the much buzzed about Ramen Burger.
“Flavors of LA” Sunday Aug 31 7:30pm-11pm
“Flavors of LA” is definitely this Angeleno’s favorite tasting event. The night is hosted by Michael Cimarusti. A selection of LA Times writers will share hosting duties for Jonathan Gold, who is unfortunately not going to make it. The focus is on local chefs and the melting pot that is LA. You can anticipate a wider variety of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. There is a ridiculous amount of talent on the schedule with cooking demos by Jimmy Shaw (Loteria Grill), and Evan Kleiman (Host of KCRW’s “Good Food”), The night will culminate with a Fish Fight! Prepare yourself to witness a Sardine Cook-off between Michael Cimarusti (Providence/Connie & Ted’s) and Russ Parsons (L.A. Times Food Editor), judged by Evan Kleiman (Host of KCRW’s “Good Food”). Restaurants include Mud Hen Tavern, Ayara Thai Cuisine, chi Spacca, Border Grill Restaurants, Cliff’s Edge, B Sweet, Pizzeria Mozza, favorite South Bay locals, Fishing with Dynamite and Little Sister, plus our beloved Jitlada Thai Cuisine. 21+
Wet your whistle all weekend with Don Julio Tequila, Cupcake Vineyards, TY KU Sake and Spirits, Goose Island 312 Urban Pale Ale, Kirin Ichiban, and Stoli Premium plus a host of others as well as pop up bars.
