The Los Angeles Times | FOOD & WINE'S The TASTE Kick's Off With BURGERS & BEER

The official kickoff to the fantastic weekend events for The Los Angeles Times | FOOD & WINE'S The TASTE began tonight with Burgers and Beers!

Chef Alex, Bianca The Foodie, Claire Robinson

The red carpet was jumping with famous chefs, television celebrities, and foodies.  Food Network stars such as Claire Robinson, Chef Scott Conant, Aarti Sequeira, Candace Nelson (the Queen of cupcakes) and Alex Guarnaschelli were greeted by the media.

Bianca The Foodie & Kathy Griffin

We got a chance to speak to BRAVO TV's and Emmy award winner Kathy Griffin. Kathy was having a ball meeting fans, eating delicious burgers from over 30+ of Los Angeles great restaurants.

Bianca The Foodie & Fabio Viviani

Top Chef's Fabio Viviani was excited to have THE TASTE in his back yard. Fabio was also looking forward to his demo at THE TASTE's "Street Eats" on the Paramount Lot Sunday, Sept. 4th. Tickets are still available at THE TASTE website.

The deliciously prepared burger samples were beautifully displayed by the participating restaurants which included Delphine, LA Market, The Counter Burger, STK, The Yard, Kaibi Burger, City Tavern, Westside Tavern, and others.

Wines and Spirits were flowing from the likes of Peroni Beer, Blue Moon Beer, Cupcake Wines, etc.

The weekend's first cooking demo was presented by Marc Boussaire, The Counter's Executive Chef. The TASTE could not have chosen a better chef to begin a weekend full of information, good food and fun! Chef Marc has it all, great skills, good looks and a wonderful personality.

Next up is Saturday's "Secrets from the Kitchen & Cellar on Saturday, Sept. 3rd from 11-3 in Beverly Hills. Tickets are available at THE TASTE website or at the door.