The Taste, Day One

Thai-style tuna ceviche at the 2013 Flavors of L.A. evening. (Patrick T. Fallon/ For The Times)

Aug. 31, 2013 1:24 PM PT

Despite hot, sticky weather, the Paramount Studios lot was teeming with hungry and thirsty guests who came out to eat, drink and to listen to a panel led by Food editor Russ Parsons and Providence chef Michael Cimarusti discuss sustainable fishing. Other highlights included pastry chef Sherry Yard making doughnuts and Ari Taymor of Alma making lavender-smoked duck.

Injera bread for spicy Ethiopian chicken stew from Meals by Genet (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times)

Overhead view of guests at the festival on the Paramount Studios backlot. (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times)

Camarones al Habanero from Chichen Itza restaurant at the 2013 event. (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times)

Kurobuta pork belly tacos (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times)

A crowd gathers and tents are aglow under the stars. (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times)

Visitors at the Bibigo truck (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times)

The opening of 2013 The Taste on the Paramount Studios lot. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Eggplant caponata with artichokes from Farmshop. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Michael Cimarusti talks about the benefits of wild-caught salmon at the 2013 event. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Michael Cimarusti of Providence and Connie and Ted’s serves wild king salmon with a fennel salad tossed with miso vinaigrette. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

A Bronzino salad made with tomato, fennel, onion and compote virgin sauce from the Esterel Restaurant at Sofitel Hotel. (Patrick T. Fallon/ For The Times)

Ray Garcia gives a culinary demonstration of a salad made with ricotta, figs and beets. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Brooke Williamson of the Hudson House sprinkles cheese as she prepares dumplings during a demonstration at the Flavors of L.A. evening. (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times)

Ari Taymor of Alma restaurant smokes duck during a cooking demonstration. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Carlos and Kelly Field sample dishes from The Blvd restaurant. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Cupcakes from the Cake Mamas. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Pastry chef Sherry Yard shows a crowd how to make brioche dough for doughnuts. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

From left to right, Russ Parsons, Sheila Bowman, Lisa Hogan and Michael Cimarusti participate in a panel on sustainable seafood. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)