THE TASTE will be held this Labor Day weekend at Paramount Pictures Studios (The L.A. Times).

Designed for Angelenos and foodies alike, THE TASTE—taking place from Friday, Aug. 30 until Sunday, Sept. 1—includes five main events, with many renowned bartenders, restaurants and chefs participating in the festivities. The anticipated food & wine festival will feature eats, trends and personalities unique to the L.A. dining scene, as well as specialty cocktails and unlimited tastings. 

The different TASTE events are as follows:

• OPENING NIGHT (Aug. 30, 7:30-11:30 p.m.): Presented by Tequila Don Julio, this special soiree will be attended by the various TASTE event hosts as well as by the chefs and bartenders participating in the weekend’s festivities. This exclusive event will feature a premium collection of tastings and unique wine and cocktail offerings, as well as live entertainment by Britain’s Finest. Participating restaurants include favorites like Candela Taco Bar & Lounge, Pizzeria Mozza, STK and THE Blvd at Beverly Wilshire Hotel. 

• FIELD TO FORK (Aug. 31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.): Hosted by L.A. Times Food Editor Russ Parsons and Michael Cimarusti, chef/owner of Providence and chef/partner of Connie and Ted’s, this event will focus on sustainable, seasonal dining and is designed for foodies and home cooks. “Field to Fork” will highlight demonstrations by culinary experts like Sherry Yard (Helms Bakery) and Ray Garcia (FIG), as well as Cimarusti, who will also be participating in a panel titled “Fish or Famine: Sustainability & the Seafood on Your Plate.” During this session, wine experts will share tips for pairing locally sourced dishes with the perfect, complementary glass. Participating restaurants in this event include Mr Chow, Farmshop and Nobu.

• FLAVORS OF L.A. (Aug. 31, 7:30-11:30 p.m.): This event, hosted by L.A. Times Restaurant Critic Jonathan Gold and Sang Yoon, chef/owner of Lukshon and Father’s Office, features authentic dishes from around the world through the City’s best restaurants. For $50, “Flavors of L.A.” attendees can upgrade their tickets to access a “secret cellar” from 8:30-10:30 p.m. This cellar will feature special wines from Italy, France, Israel, Spain, New Zealand, Argentina and California, curated by Ira Norof of Southern Wine & Spirits. The exclusive session will also feature small bites, unique pours and one-on-one education; space is limited to 250 attendees.  

• LABOR DAY BLOCK PARTY (Sept. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.): Celebrate Labor Day weekend at this family-style event, hosted by L.A. Times Test Kitchen Director Noelle Carter and Nancy Silverton, chef/co-owner of Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza. This end-of-summer bash will be focused on one of summer’s signature pastimes — the barbecue. Attendees will get to watch cooking demos from Silverton and Fred Eric of D’Elish and gain barbecue tips from a panel. Participating restaurants include BOA Steakhouse, Haven Gastropub and Waffles de Liege. Because this event is family-friendly, kids ages 3-12 can get in for $5 each. 

• COCKTAIL CONFIDENTIAL (Sept. 1, 7:30-11:30 p.m.): This event, hosted by Betty Hallock, L.A. Times deputy food editor; Jessica Gelt, L.A. Times Food & Nightlife writer; and Matthew Biancaniello, cocktail chef, concludes this year’s food & wine festival. The festivities will focus on a farm-to-glass craft cocktail demo presented by the three co-hosts. Restaurants participating in this event include favorites like Manhattan Beach Creamery and The Counter. 

Tickets for THE TASTE are currently on sale for $65 and will cost $85 after Aug. 29. L.A. Times members receive a 20 percent discount on tickets. Those interested can connect with THE TASTE on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (@TheTasteLA/#TasteLA). 

Reach Kelli Shiroma here.