The Taste 2013: A lineup of great chefs, great food and great talk

Some of L.A.’s hottest chefs and bartenders will take part in the Los Angeles Times’ third annual The Taste event happening Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 on the back lot of Paramount Studios. Attendees will also have a chance to meet the Los Angeles Times food staff.

The festivities kick off Aug. 30 with an Opening Night Party presented by Tequila Don Julio from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Partygoers will enjoy cocktail and wine tastings, live entertainment and bites from restaurants including Bagatelle, Bedford and Burns, Candela Taco Bar & Lounge, Carson House, Coco Laurent, Firefly, Fishing with Dynamite, La Sandia, Loteria Grill, Manhattan Beach Post, Pizzeria Mozza, Oliverio at Avalon Hotel, STK, Taberna Arros Y Vi and The Blvd at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

On Aug. 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. join Times Food Editor Russ Parsons as he hosts Field to Fork with Providence and Connie and Ted’s chef and owner Michael Cimarusti. The event will feature demos from Ari Taymor (Alma), Sherry Yard (Helms Bakery), Ray Garcia (Fig) and Cimarusti. Cimarusti will also participate in a panel called “Fish or Famine: Sustainability and the Seafood on Your Plate.” There will be two tasting sessions accompanied by wine pairings. Participating restaurants include Bibigo, Canele, DOMA, Farmshop, Good Girl Dinette, Hamasuku, Michael’s on Naples, Momed, Mr. Chow, Muddy Leek, Nobu, Pizza Antica, RivaBella, Sun Cafe Organic and The Curious Palate.

Los Angeles Times restaurant critic Jonathan Gold will host a Flavors of L.A. event with Father’s Office and Lukshon chef and owner Sang Yoon on Aug. 31 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Gold will moderate “The Power of Pop-ups” with Gary Menes (Le Comptoir), Craig Thorton (Wolvesmouth) and Nguyen Tran (Starry Kitchen). There will also be cooking demos fom Yoon, Brooke Williamson (Hudson House/The Tripel), Bryant Ng (Spice Table), Josef Centeno (Baco Mercat and Bar Ama), and a mixology session with Robin Chopra (Corazon y Miel). Participating restaurants include 800 Degrees, Angelini Osteria, Border Grill, Bulgarini Gelato, Chakra Indian Cuisine, Chichen Itza, City Tavern, Mayura, Meals by Genet, Pinches Tacos and Wood & Vine.

There will be a Labor Day Block Pary hosted by Times Test Kitchen Director Noelle Carter and Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza chef and co-owner Nancy Silverton on Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The two will offer a look at barbecue with a panel called “Going Whole Hog: Tales from Masters of Competition BBQ” with Ryan Chester (The Rub Co.), Sylvia Curry (Lady of Q) and Neil Strawder (Bigmista’s Barbecue). Times columnist Steve Lopez will also take part in a Firehouse Cook-off. Participating restaurants include Boa Steakhouse, Brite Spot, Cafe Gratitude, Coni’Seafood, Freddy Smalls Bar + Kitchen, Got Kosher? Haven Gastropub, Juan’s Restaurante, Kings Row Gastropub, Pizzeria il Fico, Pono Burger, Rosebud Cakes and Waffles de Liege.

The festivities will come to an end Sept. 1 with a Cocktail Confidential from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. hosted by Times Deputy Food Editor Betty Hallock, Times food and night life writer Jessica Gelt and cocktail chef Matthew Biancaniello. The three will put on a farm-to-glass craft cocktail demonstration and John Sedlar and Julian Cox (Rivera) and Kuniko Yagi and Bradyn Tepper (Hinoki & the Bird) will share their favorite food and drink combinations. Participating restaurants include Chi Lin, Cliff’s Edge, Jitlada, L&E Oyster Bar, Manhattan Beach Creamery, Mexikosher, The Pub at Golden Road Brewing, Stella Barra, The Cake Mamas, The Corner Door, The Counter, The Park Restaurant, Worldwide Tacos and Zengo.

Tickets for the opening-night event are $125; availability is limited. For all other events, tickets are $65 in advance and $85 at the door. Los Angeles Times members get a 20% discount on all tickets.

For more information and for a complete list of participating restaurants, please visit the Taste website.

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