Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival
Aug. 9-12. More than 100 celebrity food chefs, 250 acclaimed wineries and winemakers and a few Hollywood stars converge for four days of cooking demos, tastings, lunches, dinners and wine seminars. Most events at L.A. Live; other locations, hours and admission cost vary. L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown. lafw.com
The Taste
Sept. 1-3. This gastronomic extravaganza sponsored by the Los Angeles Times features five events that highlight chefs, restaurants, food trends and more. Celebrate with unlimited food and drink tastings from more than 40 of the area’s top restaurants, cooking and mixology demonstrations, wine seminars and panel discussions at each event. $65 in advance, $75 at the door. Paramount Pictures Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave., L.A. latimes.com/thetaste
LuckyRice Night Market
Aug. 4. Susan Feniger, Jet Tila and other top L.A. and international chefs join host Sang Yoon at Helms Bakery in Culver City for a festival celebrating Asian culture and flavors. Local master mixologists serve custom cocktails and DJs spin tunes at this multi-sensory culinary experience. 7:30–10 pm, VIP entrance at 7 pm. $50, VIP $88. H.D. Buttercup, Helms Bakery District, 3225 Helms Ave., Culver City. luckyrice.com
Plate By Plate Tasting
Aug. 4. Drink and dine on specialties from more than 30 top LA restaurants (Picca, Scarpetta, Rivera, Chaya, the Royce, among many others) and chefs at this event that celebrates food, wine volunteerism and community. In addition to chefs tastings highlights include live entertainment, a quick fire chef challenge featuring Top Chef’s Marcel Vigneron vs. a surprise chef, and a Plate by Plate cocktail challenge, sponsored by St. Germain Liqueur; the competing mixologists are Devon Espinosa (Ink, Pour Vous), Gia St. George (City Tavern), and Chris Hewes (Library Bar). $150 general/$250 VIP. Vibiana, 214 S. Main St., downtown. facebook.com/projectbyprojectla
Taste of Brews
Aug. 25. The premier beer-tasting festival features dozens of seasonal, craft and micro-brews paired with cuisine from high-end gastropubs and eateries. Noon–4 pm. $32.50–$50. Lighthouse Park, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 714.375.1132. tasteofbrews.com