Editor's Note: This piece is cross-posted with KCET Food.

Los Angeles opened its gates this weekend to celebrity chefs from all over the country for the First Annual Food and Wine event. The four day festival included cooking demos, conversations with chefs, and unlimited tastings. In the spirit of Hollywood and its red carpet culture, we've presented awards to the weekend's best offerings.

(Emily Rifkin)

BEST TEXTURE: Flan de Elote (John Sedlar, Rivera, Los Angeles, CA).

This dish, with a creamy corn custard, a crunchy black quinoa, and squash blossom sauce, was served in a bowl made of corn husk.

(Emily Rifkin)

These Chinese treats were served in classic takeout boxes, giving the high-end restaurant's offerings a casual feel.

(Emily Rifkin)

BEST "POP": Foie Gras Lollipops (Graham Elliot, Graham Elliot, Chicago, IL).

Elliot's take on a childhood favorite included rich foie gras and watermelon Pop Rocks, giving the dish a sharp sizzle.

(Emily Rifkin)

BEST ITEM ON BREAD: Short Rib Po' Boy (Rick Tramonto, Restaurant R'evolution, New Orleans, LA).

Tramonto brought a Louisiana favorite to Los Angeles, and updated it with tender short rib and a truffle coleslaw.

(Emily Rifkin)

BEST (AND MOST ADORABLE) MEXICAN DISH: Lamb Tostadita (Mary Sue Milliken, Border Grill, Santa Monica, CA).

Milliken brought the charm with her bright smile and her bite-sized lamb tostadita, served with poblano slaw, pickled onion, and cotija cheese.

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Reach Cara Rifkin here.