The annual L.A. Times Food Bowl, returned this year to celebrate Southern California's vibrant restaurant scene and gourmands alike. Kicking off the festivities at the Paramount Pictures Studios Backlot, the Night Market toasted the city’s ever-evolving culinary landscape and legacy. Over three days, the event featured tantalizing tastings from an impressive lineup of more than 120 restaurants, breweries, and distilleries.

In attendance was Chef Virgilio Martinez - the luminary behind Lima’s Central, which was recently ranked as the No. 1 restaurant in the world. Martinez signed copies of his new imprint as well as doing a live cooking demonstration.

LA’s beloved restaurateur and Hollywood powerhouse Danny Trejo also made an appearance. Trejo has built a name for himself in the restaurant work with a growing empire of fast casual restaurants, Trejo's Tacos, as well as a new titular gourmet donut shop, Trejo's Donuts. Recently, he has entered into the beverage world with his latest venture, Trejo’s Spirits. Attendees enjoyed samples of his zero ABV tequila, which flowed freely into NA spicy margaritas.

Amidst the vast ocean of offerings from smashburgers and roti to shrimp rolls and dumplings, a standout culinary experience washed over all who braved the long lines to sample offerings from Ceviche Stop, a Peruvian eatery that provides a modern twist on classic dishes. With ceviche served fresh out of a sea urchin, the restaurant’s delicacies were bound to leave a lasting impression.

With its fusion of world-class chefs, innovative spirits, and a kaleidoscope of cultures, the LA Times Food Bowl Night Market served as a testament to the cuisine that defines Southern California.