Southern California’s annual food and wine festival, Los Angeles Food & Wine took over Barker Hanger August 22-25 for three days of marquee events.
Friday evening was The Epic Burger Throwdown hosted by Angeleno native Alvin Cailan. The event featured LA’s best burger names in a sizzling battle of beef.
Guests were invited to vote along with celebrity judges Seth Rogen, Tiffani Thiessen and Adam Richman for the coveted LAFW Golden Burger Show Trophy. There were burgers, burgers and more burgers – differentiated by meat – angus, wagyu, pork, pork belly, carne asada, chicken; buns – potato, Hawaiian, grilled or not; accompaniments – tomato, lettuce, pineapple; seasoning, and etnic takes – Thai, Mexican, Hawaiian.
Saturday noon brought LA’s Faves & Craves hosted by Jet Tila, a strolling event showcasing the diversity of L.A.’s culinary landscape. There were tacos, pizza, hot dogs, donuts, and fried chicken along with Asian-inspired specialties. Outstanding were a scallop ceviche, a scallop tostada, an octopus salad and lobster roll.
Local Michael’s had a shrimp risotto, and Tumbi dished out chicken curry with rice. Among vegetable offerings was a knockout mashed eggplant, and Jet Tila’s side of Thai cabbage salad with coconut milk. You could finish off with pies and ice cream, but why do that when you could make a beer float with a Guinness Extra Stout. Ah!
Sunday’s grand finale, the Brunch So Hard starring ed the self-taught chef Jeremiah Tower featured all things brunch. There were waffles, pancakes, devilled eggs topped with bacon, pates, oyster shooters, and dim sum turnip cake. You could top it off with milk in cookie cups, an ice cream sandwich, or a delectable spread of candies from SLS Hotel – with intriguing breakfast themes and flavors like mimosa, coffee, and creme eggs.
All events provided plenty of selfie opportunities to rest between courses and post on Instagram with your latest updates.For more information, please visit www.lafw.com.