The Taste Returns To Los Angeles

THE TASTE, the annual food event inspired by the Los Angeles Times' food coverage, is cooking up a quintet of events at Paramount Pictures Studio including tastings, cooking demonstrations, competitions and discussions Sept. 1 to 3.

Events include Field to Fork on Saturday hosted by Los Angeles Times' Food Editor Russ Parsons and Chef Ray Garcia of FIG which includes cooking demos, a conversation with local farmers and a chef's challenge between Garcia and David LeFevre of Manhattan Beach Post to create a winning dish using a basket full of local produce.

Saturday evening's event is Cocktail Confidential in which Los Angeles Times Food & Night Life Writer Jessica Gelt, along with mixologist Julian Cox of Rivera and Playa host an evening dedicated to cocktail culture, mixology competitions, and specialty elixirs and party-worthy bites.

Sunday's events include Flavors of L.A. in which Los Angeles Times Restaurant Critic Jonathan Gold and chef, author and host of KCRW's Good Food Evan Kleinman host a day full of international authentic dishes from chefs Ludo Lefebvre of LudoBites and Susan Feniger of STREET.

Los Angeles Times Deputy Food Editor Betty Hallock and The Beer Chicks, Christina Perozzi and Hallie Beaune, host an evening of signature dishes paired with artisanal brews, custom cocktails and wine on Sunday night.

The weekend concludes with the Labor Day Picnic on Monday where Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen Director Noelle Carter and baker/restaurateur Zoe Nathan host a family celebration. Family-friendly fare includes burgers, tacos, bánh mì, and ice cream. The picnic includes a cooking competition between local firefighters, cooking demonstrations by Nathan, Nancy Silverton of La Brea Bakery, and Judy Jan of Mendocino Farms and Blue Cow.

Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Ponoma and the Los Angeles Times Family Fund's Summer Camp Campaign.

Lauren Mack is the Travel Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @lmack.