THE TASTE Los Angeles – Secrets from the Kitchen & Cellar

Couldn't think of a better way to spend a Labor Day Saturday in L.A. than THE TASTE's Secrets from the Kitchen & Cellar event presented by Infiniti. The weather was spectacular and the selection of cuisine, libations, panel discussions, and cooking demos were on fire. Yes, I said it…they were hot! Popular events included "An Interview with Chef Ludo and Krissy Lefebvre led by L.A. Times Food Editor Russ Parsons, along with a discussion on "Twitter and Tasting" by renowned food critic Jonathan Gold with chefs Michael Voltaggio, Walter Manzke, and Craig Thornton. Wine seminars included a talk on "Paso Robles Pioneers" and the useful "How to Taste Like a Master Sommelier".

Scott Conant of Scarpetta had the crowd entertained while the Drago brothers (Celestino and Giacomino) kept the assembly of food lovers enthralled with their beet risotto cooking demo. Wineries such as Charles Krug, Justin Vineyards, and Bernardus along with Fiji water helped us beat the heat with hydration to keep the appetite running for a second, third, fourth…and fifteenth helping of favorite bites from many of L.A.'s most beloved and recently introduced restaurants. This was definitely a great day to celebrate the professional kitchens of Los Angeles. Kudos to host L.A. Times and Food & Wine for a job well done.

 
Infiniti Chocolates by LA's own Compartes

 
 Rock Sugar's Pork Belly Bun

 
Ricardo Zarate and Stephane Bombet of Picca & Mo-Chica

 
Picca/Mo-Chica's Lettuce wrap with beef, quinoa risotto, rocoto sauce

 
Scott Conant's Cooking Demo at THE TASTE, Beverly Hills

with Aarti Sequeira of Food Network's Aarti Party

 
Chaya Brasserie's Watermelon with Basil Oil

Haru Kishi (Chaya Brasserie)'s Seaweed Salad w/Chicken

 These TASTE fans were the popular cool-off accessory

 
Claire Robinson of Food Network's "5 Ingredient Fix" 

 
 Fresh Peach Cocktails…Oh, Yes Please!
 
Chef Celestino Drago

 
Il Pastaio's Baked Spaghetti w/Eggplant, Mozzarella, Tomato Basil Sauce

 
Krissy and Ludo Lefebrvre with Russ Parsons (center)

 
Mr. Chow's Walnut Shrimp

 
Kerrygold's Aged Cheddar Cheese

 
Mezze's refreshing Cocktails & Ginger Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich

 
No shortage of vino at The TASTE


The weather wasn't the only thing was hot that day

 
It was a day of fun (and food) for the entire family

 

-More photos from The TASTE's Secrets from the Kitchen & Cellar, will be added to our Food Fashionista Facebook page.

-Check back for more photos and features of The TASTE weekend!

 

Infiniti & Lefebvre photos by: Tiffany Rose. All others by Food Fashionista

—–