It was a special holiday weekend here in LA with the inaugural Los Angeles Times Celebration of Food & Wine this past Sunday. Set on the Paramount Studios Hollywood backlot and featuring a cast of LA’s finest chefs, restaurants, food trucks and talent, the event was as ambitious as Willy Wonka is whimsical. And there were many melt in your mouth bites to enjoy like this Short Rib with Thai Slaw above from Rock Sugar. Video and more coming soon — snapshots to share now…
If the event were a feature film, Russ Parsons, Los Angeles Times Food Editor in Chief would be leading man.
Shrimp Dumpling, Kurobuto Peking Ribs and Asian Slaw from Xino is a hot ticket.
Chefs Mark Peel and Suzanne Goin giving a cooking demo in the heart of the Paramount backlot gives new meaning to street food.
Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Suzanne Goin, is not only a genius, she’s super sweet and loves “slimy and chewy” which totally explains the geoduck.
Water Grill had ’em lined up for freshly shucked Massachusetts Oysters.
Aarti Sequeira, The Next Food Network Star is vibrant and energetic. Her passion for Indian cooking is intoxicating. The love she has for her fans is inspiring. Watch her show Aarti’s Party on Food Network!
Truffle Chips presented by Josie. Check it out! This photo was featured in the LA Weekly.
Braised Veal Cheek, Salsa Verde, Roasted Radishes and Fingerling Potatoes from Public Kitchen & Bar.
Chef Noelle Carter, Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen Manager, loves bacon and is intrigued with Koolickles — my kinda girl.
Pineapple and jalapeno flavors were showcased in the Peninsula offerings.
While interviewing The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, a gracious fan approached for her autograph. Ree has touched so many lives in so many ways.
And Cookie Casa presented all the classic sweet treats.
Los Angeles Times deserves silver screen-sized credit for the inaugural Celebration of Food & Wine; it’s sure to have more sequels than a Hollywood blockbuster. I was “working” and I had a blast, so I can only imagine the joy of more tasty bites of food and at least one drink ticket put to use. That said, there’s some room for improvement. More coverage to come…
Coming Wednesday 9/15/10: Video and article featuring interviews with Aarti Sequeira, The Next Food Network Star; Internet superstar and housewife hero, Ree Drummond of The Pioneer Woman; award-winning chef and restaurateur, Suzanne Goin; Los Angeles Times Food Editor in Chief, Russ Parsons; and Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen Manager, Noelle Carter.
More on the event at Los Angeles Times Food.
Were you in VIP b/c I saw none of those yummy looking dishes. Wish I could have had a taste…
Aww! Thanks :) We had a media escort to take pics, and I did sneak a few yummy bites from Rock Sugar, Josie and Xino. The food, wine and spirits in vip did look rocking and people were having fun.
That looks like so much fun! The food shots are amazing!
Well done indeed! You did such a great job, and it was great seeing you there.
I didn’t see pictures of it here, so I have to ask. Did you taste the Bánh mì from Palate Food & Wine? The sign said “Bánh mì with Lamb Hearts.” Sounded intriguing, so I got one. Tasted great too, but there was a surprise. It also included a sardine. There was my little friend, peeking through the bottom of the sandwich.
Now there’s a fish sandwich, then there’s a fish sandwich. That sardine stayed on my breath the rest of the day. It was like luggage. I’ve never had a sandwich with that much flavor in my life. Very brave chefs over there.
Thanks, Angie! It was super fun – can’t wait to share the video :)
Haha, Phil! No – I didn’t taste or see the Bánh mì from Palate Food & Wine and honestly, I’m glad I didn’t with a review like that. I am sure everyone I interviewed was happy I didn’t try it either. “Like luggage” lol!!
I see you’ve had wonderful and funny moments with foodie-celebs!!
How strong were the workouts after all that delights ;)
Have a great weekend,
Gera
What a great job covering that event! You captured some special moments, peaked my interest and I can’t wait to hear more!