Ethnic food is a natural at the annual Los Angeles Times’ The Taste celebrating the flavors of the world. Hosted by The Times’ editorial staff and acclaimed L.A. chefs and bartenders, The Taste takes place on the Paramount Pictures Studios backlot  over Labor Day weekend (August 31-September 2). Each ticket grants access to unlimited tastings citywide pop-ups, collaborations, plus pairings from chefs and restaurants.

FRIDAY, August 31 (7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.)

• • • L.A.’s pop-up and underground restaurants will take the stage with a demo of Cajun-by-way-of-Compton cuisine from chef Michael Lawless (Shad’s New Cali Catering), hosted by Times food editor Jenn Harris
    • Ludo Lefebvre (Trois Mec, Ludo Bird)
    • Ricardo Zarate (Rosaliné) and Jonathan Yao (Kato) share secrets of creating classic dishes
    • Cari Hah (Big Bar) teaches how to make the ultimate martini

• White Wines of Italy will be discussed in great detail with Ira Norof of SCE, CWE and Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Diane DeLuca of Frederick Wildman & Sons and Giancarlo Lauro of Southern Glazer’s

Vito Lacopelli of Prova Pizzeria will demo how to make the perfect pizza

FARMHOUSE, Highly Likely Café, Nerano, Michael’s Santa Monica, Poppy & Rose, Paramount Coffee Project, Yarrow, Pearl’s BBQ, Woodley Proper, Bone Kettle, Mainland Poke, Mexicali Taco & Co., Wanderlust Creamery, Umu by Hamasku, Casa Vega, Baltaire, Chao Krung, Puesto, Pop’s Bagels, Amor y Tacos, Bar Garcia, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill and more.

SATURDAY, September 1 (7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.)

• Briana Valdez (HomeState) celebrates breakfast all day with a demo of her signature dishes with Jenn Harris, Times food editor
• Sommelier Ira Norof and J. Wilkes Winery’s Wes Hagen offers 101 reasons to drink wine
• Adrienne Borlongan (Wanderlust Creamery) will have an ice cream social
• Burt Bakman of Trudy’s Underground BBQ will showcase his BBQ with a cooking demonstration hosted by LA Times Food writer Andrea Chang

Samplings from restaurants include: Granville, Coni’Seafood, The Exchange at Freehand LA, Herringbone Santa Monica, Kali Restaurant, Prawn Coastal, Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken, Jaffa, Cento Pasta Bar, Winston Pies, Trois Mec, Melody, Tumbi Craft Indian Kitchen, Rappahonnock Oyster Bar, Sichuan Impression, Citizen Beverly Hills, Roe Seafood, Komodo, Maple Block Meat Co., Madre Oaxacan Restaurant and Mezcaleria and more.

SUNDAY, September 2 (7:30p.m. – 10:30p.m.)

• Experience the diversity of flavors in our fair city when Sean Lowenthal (Little Beast Restaurant) and L.A. Times Test Kitchen Director Noelle Carter highlight Southern cooking
• World renowned chefs Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama (n/naka) showcase their ethereal Japanese cuisine
• Minh Phan (Porridge + Puffs) shares her technique for elevating porridge with KCRW Good Food’s Evan Kleiman
• Charles Olalia (Rice Bar/Ma’am Sir) gives a master class on Filipino cuisine
• Wine expert Christine Dalton will raise a glass to rosé and Kim Stodel (Providence) will share how to make a zero-waste cocktail

Samplings from restaurants include: Banh Oui, Luv2Eat Thai Bistro, Inko Nito, Hotville Chicken, Jitlada, Wolf, Guisados, Commerson, 71Above, Brack Shop Tavern, Faith & Flower, Bulgarini Gelato, The Arbour, Lao Tao, Manuela, Bourbon Steak, Avec Nous, Momed, The Arbour, WOOD, Lao Tao,  Kobee Factory, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, Meals by Genet and more.

The historic Pacific Dining Car, open since 1921 & still family owned and operated, will help keep alive the venerable tradition of the American steakhouse, in style at The TasteLA.   Pacific Dining Car will offer tastes of several fan favorite dishes formed over the many years – including a classic steakhouse plate, which fits perfectly into event’s  Past & Present category this year.

For a detailed description of each event and full lineup of participating chefs and restaurants, visithttp://extras.latimes.com/taste/

Friday, August 31^st,  Saturday, September 1^st , Sunday, September 2^nd General Admission (7:30p.m. – 10:30p.m.) – $115. Tickets are available at: http://extras.latimes.com/taste/

SOCIAL MEDIA: Support The Taste via social media by connecting on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TheTasteLA (#TasteLA)

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