The Taste announces co-hosts Nancy Silverton, Thomas Keller and more

The Los Angeles Times’ annual culinary showcase The Taste is fast approaching, kicking off on Aug. 29. Co-hosts for the three-day food festival have just been announced, including James Beard Outstanding Chef Nancy Silverton, Michelin-starred chef Michael Cimarusti, world-renowned Thomas Keller, and celebrated Latin cuisine chef John Sedlar and master bartender Julian Cox.

The chef and mixologist co-hosts will partner with The Times’ Food staff for The Taste’s five events, which take place over Labor Day weekend at Paramount Picture Studios.

The Times’ hosts and their co-hosts, along with many of the festival’s participating chefs and bartenders, will gather at the Opening Night party on Aug. 29 to kick off the weekend of themed events, featuring unlimited tastings and beer, wine and specialty cocktails. On Aug. 30, and Aug. 31, each co-host will participate in a demo or panel.

Field to Fork will be hosted by Times Food editor Russ Parsons and Nancy Silverton, chef and co-owner of Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza and founder of La Brea Bakery. The event celebrates Southern California’s farmers market ingredients. Silverton will lead a cooking demo. Aug. 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dinner With a Twist will be hosted by Times Deputy Food editor Betty Hallock and Times restaurant critic Jonathan Gold, along with John Sedlar, chef-owner of Rivera, and master bartender Julian Cox. Sedlar and Cox will lead a demo inspired by the event’s theme pairing L.A.’s culinary offerings with complementary cocktails. Aug. 30, 7:30 to 11 p.m.

Sunday Brunch brings together host Noelle Carter, Times Test Kitchen director, and Thomas Keller, chef/proprietor of the French Laundry, Per Se, Bouchon, Bouchon Bakery and Ad Hoc. The daytime event pays tribute to Angelenos’ favorite weekend tradition. Keller will participate in a panel conversation. Aug. 31, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Flavors of LA will be hosted by Times restaurant critic Jonathan Gold with co-host Michael Cimarusti, chef/owner of Providence and chef/partner of Connie and Ted’s. Cimarusti will sharpen his knives for a cooking demo that brings the weekend’s events to a memorable end. Aug. 31, 7:30 to 11 p.m.

Tickets are available at events.latimes.com/taste/tickets and are priced at $100 to $150 (tickets for Sunday Brunch for children ages 3 to 12 are $5). A weekend pass with access to all four Saturday and Sunday events is $299.