Kick off The Taste with L.A.’s hottest chefs opening night

This year, the Los Angeles Times’ annual food and wine festival The Taste kicks off Friday, Aug. 29, with a full night of festivities. The Paramount Studios lot is transformed into an intimate party with some of the hottest chefs in the city.

The opening night is a chance for attendees to mix and mingle with the festival’s participating chefs. This year, event hosts include Michael Cimarusti, chef-owner of Providence and chef-partner at Connie & Ted’s; Julian Cox, mixologist at Rivera; John Sedlar, chef-principal at Rivera; and Nancy Silverton of Mozza.

Guests can expect small bites from Alma, Cafe del Rey, Chichen Itza Restaurant, DeSano Pizza Bakery, Guelaguetza, Hinoki & The Bird, Jitlada Thai Cuisine, Phorage, Plan Check Kitchen + Bar, The Counter Burger, Union, Wood & Vine and more.

Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, Don Julio Tequila, Kirin Ichiban, Knob Creek Rye, Matua, Stella Artois and Stoli Elit will be providing libations for the evening.

A limited number of tickets are available for $150 and include a selection of food tastings, cocktails, wine and live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online. Attendees must be 21 years and older.

I’ll have my martini extra dirty. Follow me on Twitter @Jenn_Harris_