The Taste food festival returns Labor Day weekend to Paramount Studios

Guests roam the Paramount Studios backlot during the Dinner With a Twist evening of the Los Angeles Times' Taste event last year.

By Amy Scattergood

June 9, 2016 1:21 PM PT

Busy over Labor Day weekend? Or maybe we should ask if you’ll be hungry and thirsty? The Taste, the Los Angeles Times’ annual celebration of Southern California’s culinary scene, will take place Sept. 2-4 at Paramount Pictures Studios.

Five events will showcase the chefs and restaurants at the heart of L.A.’s food and dining culture and include unlimited tastings from the city’s best restaurants, specialty drinks, wine seminars and live demos.

OPENING NIGHT — Friday, Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Featuring a focused collection of tastings, distinctive cocktail and wine offerings, Opening Night is a unique chance to mingle with all The Times’ hosts and many of the weekend’s participating chefs and bartenders. Hosted by Noelle Carter, Jonathan Gold, Jenn Harris and Amy Scattergood. Tickets: $150

FIELD TO FORK — Saturday, Sept. 3, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Experience the possibilities of dishes inspired by the bounty of California as leading L.A. chefs display their mastery of cooking with locally-sourced ingredients. Secret Cellar, a $75 ticket upgrade, offers exclusive access to an air-conditioned space offering pours of award-winning highly rated wines, small bites, and one-on-one education from wine experts. Hosted by Amy Scattergood and Michael Cimarusti (Providence, Connie & Ted’s). Tickets: $100 ($175 with Secret Cellar upgrade).

DINNER WITH A TWIST — Saturday, Sept. 3, 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Celebrate how great cocktails, premium wines or favorite spirits pair with the extraordinary culinary creations of the city’s chefs. Hosted by Jonathan Gold, Jenn Harris, Ray Garcia and Michael Lay (Broken Spanish, B.S. Taqueria). Tickets: $125.

SUNDAY BLOCK PARTY — Sunday, Sept. 4, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Among the holiday weekend, L.A.’s best chefs and bartenders, and some incredible indulgences served up on a movie studio backlot, we’ve got all the ingredients for the ultimate block party. Summer may be ending, but you can still see it off in style. Hosted by Noelle Carter and Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill). Tickets: $100.

The Hudson breakfast sandwich -- made with bacon, fried egg, cheddar cheese and avocado -- is displayed during the Sunday Brunch and BBQ afternoon of the Los Angeles Times' Taste event at the Paramount Studios backlot last year.

FLAVORS OF L.A. — Sunday, Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Explore an eclectic and vibrant collection of the city’s best restaurants and see many of its most talked-about chefs — all without ever having to leave the Paramount lot. Hosted by Jonathan Gold and Kris Yenbamroong (NIGHT + MARKET). Tickets: $125.

Ticket price includes food, beer, wine and spirits tastings, plus access to seminars and presentations. Los Angeles Times subscribers save $25 on Saturday and Sunday events.

Details and tickets: latimes.com/thetaste. Connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TheTasteLA (#TasteLA).

The Taste is presented by Citi and produced in association with Best Events; other sponsors include Southern California Acura Dealers, &Tokyo and MorningStar Farms

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