In the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Patina Restaurant hosted an LA Food & Wine festival kickoff party for movers and shakers in the LA food scene.

Complete with wine and champagne, as well as skillfully crafted hors d'oeuvres, Last Monday's event celebrated the 3rd annual, five-day extravaganza known as LA Food & Wine. The highly anticipated series of culinary events will be held on Grand Avenue, as well as LA Center Studios and other locations around town. The extravagant festival will be held the weekend of August 22, and will range from intimate meals to outdoor tastings.

LA Food & Wine will bring world-renowned chefs and delectable bites to Los Angeles, and will give hundreds of guests a chance to meet the chefs who create these culinary masterpieces. There will also be demos, concerts, and themed culinary events held throughout the weekend. The full schedule includes events like wine seminars, mixology demonstrations, pairing lessons and grand tastings.

Passed appetizers at the private kickoff event included smoked scallop with crispy potato, creme fraiche and black truffle, as well as watermelon gazpacho, Kobe beef brisket with smoked polenta, and a decadent mini chocolate mousse cake, all created by the Patina chefs. Nguyen and Thi Tran of Starry Kitchen were in attendance and mingling with guests, as was Café Pinot chef Sydney Hunter, among others.

Ticket prices range from $50 for select events, to just under $1000 for the special VIP package. For more details and ticketing information for specific events at the 3rd annual LA Food & Wine, visit www.lafw.com.

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