Tickets on sale now for The Times’ annual food and wine festival on the Paramount lot. The Taste is a popular event, and it usually sells out, so get on it. The Taste Takes place over Labor Day weekend with four themed food events hosted by various Times Food writers and eminent chefs, as well as a big opening night soiree. Demos, seminars and panels will be taking place on three stages throughout each event. The vibe is low-key, and dress is casual. There will be some comfort food along with high-end offerings. Elaborate cocktails mixed by some of LA’s best bartenders share the spotlight.
Opening Night takes place on Fri., Sept. 1st, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. The intimate event brings together all of the hosts and many of the weekend’s participating chefs. Participating restaurants include Baran’s 2239, Chinese Laundry, Hatchet Hall, Little Fatty, Scratch Bar & Kitchen, and Tar & Roses.
On Saturday afternoon, from noon until 3pm February 2nd, “Field to Fork” will be hosted by LA Times Food Editor, Amy Scattergood, and Sang Yoon, Chef/Owner of Father’s Office and Lukshon. The theme is inspired by Southern California’s agricultural roots. There will be demos on using Farmers Market produce and a discussion on the importance of farms. Some of our favorite restaurants are Aqui es Texcoco, Coni’Seafood, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, and VCHOS Pupuseria Moderna.
Later in the evening on Saturday from 7:30 to 10:30, “Dinner with a Twist” will celebrate the collaboration between chefs and cocktails. The hosts are Jonathan Gold, and Jenn Harris, along with chef Antonia Lofaso and mixologist Marco A. Ramos of Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar. You can enjoy cocktail demos and a group shaking up their signature drinks. The event takes place between 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and features LA Beat favorites Barrel & Ashes, Faith & Flower, Szechuan Impression, The Bellwether, and Wolf.
The Sunday Block Party is hosted by Noelle Carter and Sherry Yard, Chef/Owner of Tuck Room Tavern (and sugar goddess), Sunday, Sept. 3rd, from noon to 3 p.m. This is one of the most chill events of the weekend. It also has some great demos lined up. Yard will “demystify pastry-baking” for home cooks and David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach Post), the king of the cheddar biscuit, will give a master class on what else? Making biscuits! Restaurants include E.A.K. Ramen, MessHall, Otium, and The Butcher’s Daughter.
Sunday evening from 7:30 until 10:30pm, our favorite event of the weekend, Flavors of LA, will be hosted by the inimitable Jonathan Gold and Gilberto Cetina Jr., Chef/Owner of Chichen Itza and Holbox. Closing night of The Taste “embraces the depth and diversity of flavors that make Los Angeles one of the most exciting places to dine.” We are looking forward to demos by Wes Avila (Guerrilla Tacos) and the team behind Badmaash: Pawan, Nakul and Arjun Mahendro. Also, Mr. Gold will explore Korean barbecue with masters of the grill: Jenee Kim (Park’s Barbeque) and Chris Oh (Seoul Sausage Co.). Serious masters for real. Some of the many local restaurants representing include Chichen Itza, Frankland’s Crab & Co., Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, Holbox, Same Same and Worldwide Tacos.
L.A. Regional Food Bank and Midnight Mission are the event’s charity beneficiaries. Opening Night tickets are $150. Saturday and Sunday event tickets range from $95 to $130. A $25 discount is available exclusively to Times subscribers.
