How was everyone’s Labor Day Weekend? Still recovering? OH MY! For all those food enthusiasts out there, there was no better place to spend the three day weekend than at The Taste, Los Angeles Times’ annual celebration of Southern California food scene which was held at Paramount Studios lot this past weekend. The event felt like a urban block party with everyone trickling in and ready to get their grub on! The Taste featured unlimited food and drink tasting from over 40 of the area’s top restaurants in addition to live cooking, mixology demonstrations and wine seminars. Sounds legit, no? Well, it was! And I was definitely in for a treat. Of course, I had to come prepared: with an empty stomach. 

Arriving at Paramount Lots I noticed that even the foodies get their own red carpet! How fitting for a Hollywood occasion. My appetite and I were definitely ready to get CRAY. Where shall I start? 

I decided I needed to begin with breakfast foods. Duh! Don’t want to confuse my tummy by the chronological order of this food block party. Definitely had to holla at this house smoked pork belly fried egg sandwich with arugula, made with maple syrup on a fresh house made croissant. TOO LEGIT. “Mmm” galore! 

The beautiful LA crowd trying to decide from all the amazing choices. 

Dorda chocolate liquor debuting from Chopin Vodka during Taste LA! Too early to drink at this time? Not if it’s a special debut! Don’t want to put that to waste now. Yum. 

The acclaimed lobster rolls from Terranea Resort. It was nothing short of amazing. 

Spicy gazpacho with crab from Figoly: truly a game-changer y’all. Don’t mind if I help myself to one.. or two..

To-do list as a Taste LA attendee: Wine-tasting. Cheers! Life is beautiful. 

Chef D’ Lefevre’s answer to the Market Basket Challenge! His concoction was almost too good too eat, but then I remembered that I’m here to be an expert food-taster… And I was pleased. 

Warm chocolate cones at Sweet Rose Ice Cream- the smell is insane! 

Chocolate croissants in front of my face… Please help. 

Chef Susan Feniger doing work at the live cooking demonstration as she displays her fire breathing expertise. VERY NICE. 

Sarah Schulz, founder of Schuzies Bread Pudding, offering some tasty bread pudding. They honestly have the best bread pudding I have ever had. EVER. Check them out at schulziesbreadpudding.com if you want to see what’s up. YUM. 

I don’t remember what it was called but it was heaven: peanut butter, bananas, and other magical-ness in fried bread. Hallelujah! *angels sing in background*

My beautiful friends and I! So blessed, inebriated, and full! A very special shout out to Jeffrey Best and Justin Cohen who produced the event. Cheers to a successful Labor Day Weekend!