Los Angeles Time’s The Taste, Paramount Studios Lot

Aug 31, 2013

Paramount Studios Lot was the backdrop to the Los Angeles Time’s Opening Night of The Taste, a multi-day foodie-stravaganza. I was lucky to attend the opening gala, a more intimate gathering of tasters and tastemakers.

We braved the muggy 80˚ temps in the name of food and booze. Thankfully, the Beatles cover band, Britain’s Finest were spot-on in their impressions they took our minds off the heat long enough so we could raise our glasses of Stella Artois and sing out a chorus of Na Na Na Na’s during Let it Be.

Costume change! Older Beatles. She Loves You, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!

Of course many celebrated local food stars were in attendance. Mozza’s Nancy Silverton, L.A. Times Russ Parsons and Jonathan Gold, took pictures with fans while chefs like Ernesto Uchimura from Plan Check plated tasty treats for hungry guests.

Here’s a video recap of Opening Night!

The rest of the weekend’s line-up features various demonstrations, chef talks and tastings throughout the day.

Some standout events include:

FIELD TO FORK // SAT AUG. 31

12:45 – 1:30 p.m.

Cadillac Culinary Stage
Cooking Demonstration featuring Sherry Yard (Helms Bakery)

2:15 – 3 p.m.

Cadillac Culinary Stage
Cooking Demonstration featuring Michael Cimarusti (Providence/Connie & Ted’s)

FLAVORS OF L.A. // SAT AUG. 31

9:15 – 10 p.m.

The Taste Bar Stage
The Power of Pop-ups featuring Jonathan Gold (moderator), Gary Menes (le comptoir), Craig Thornton (Wolvesmouth) and Nguyen Tran (Starry Kitchen)

LABOR DAY BLOCK PARTY // SUN SEPT. 1

12:45 – 1:30 p.m.

Cadillac Culinary Stage

Cooking Demonstration featuring Nancy Silverton (Osteria Mozza/Pizzeria Mozza/Chi Spacca)

1 – 1:45 p.m.

The Taste Bar Stage
Going Whole Hog: Tales from Masters of Competition BBQ with Noelle Carter (moderator), Ryan Chester (The Rub Co.), Sylvie Curry (Lady of Q) and Neil Strawder (Bigmista’s Barbecue)

COCKTAIL CONFIDENTIAL // SUN SEPT. 1

9:15 – 10 p.m.

The Taste Culinary Stage

Cooking & Mixology Demonstration featuring John Sedlar and Julian Cox (Rivera)

9:30 – 10:30 p.m.

The Taste Bar Stage

Wild & Fresh: Craft Cocktail Demo featuring Matthew Biancianello, Serena Herrick (Allumette), Christiaan Rollich (Lucques/A.O.C./Tavern) and Brady Weise (1886)