Food Festival Season Kicks Off With All-Star Chef Classic At LA Live

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Some of the world's best chefs are showcasing their culinary skills in Downtown L.A.

It's the kick off of food festival season and in particular the All-Star Chef Classic.

KCAL9's Jeff Nguyen sampled some of the best of the best.

Now that the Hollywood award season is over, it's time for L.A.'s movers and shakers to focus on their other obsession: food.

Nguyen located honey and sesame glazed pork belly, grilled Wagyu (Japanese beef) tongue and other fancy-sounding comestibles.

This is an event that aims to cut through the clutter. The event -- many of the presentations are sold out -- is being held at LA Live, featuring culinary stars like the founder of Border Grill. That acclaimed eatery is known for giving a modern twist to classic Mexican.

"It's great that Los Angeles is just exploding with the best restaurants in the country," said Border Grill's Mary Sue Milliken.

Manhattan Beach Post owner David LeFevre has created some big hits with his small plates.

"I've traveled a bunch in my career, worked in a bunch of different countries," LeFevre said.

This food festival allows guests to get up close and personal with the chefs while sampling exotic creations.

"It's always soulful, hand-crafted and artisanal," said LeFevre.

"I love to travel. I love to eat food all over the world, and now I don't have to go anywhere. I can do all here in L.A.," said Milliken.

The four-day event started Wednesday and ends Saturday  For more about the All-Star Chef Classic, click here.