L.A.’s premier food and wine event returns to Grand Avenue beginning tonight at 7 p.m. (photos by Stephanie Parkinson)

Los Angeles becomes a mecca of culinary opportunities tonight, Aug. 24 through Sunday, Aug. 27, from downtown to Santa Monica. The 7th annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival (LAFW) kicks-off on Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. with “Ultimate Bites of L.A.,” a walk-around tasting hosted by celebrity chef Curtis Stone at Grand Avenue and First Street. On Friday, Aug. 25 from noon to 2:30 p.m., enjoy power lunches being held around Los Angeles. At CRAFT, chefs Sarah Gruenenberg, Denis Crutchfield and Shannon Swindle will prepare lunch. A power lunch will also be held at Ivory on Sunset with chefs Brian Malarkey and John Tesar, and at Maude with chef Justin Hilbert. In Santa Monica, chef Nancy Silverton will be in the kitchen at Michael’s, and chefs Neal Fraser, Rory Herrmann and Trey Foshee will prepare lunch at Redbird. An additional power lunch is at noon at The Church Key with chef Kevin Nashan and Ryan Ososky. On Aug. 25 at 7 p.m., the Night Market on Grand Avenue allows ticket holders to stroll along Grand Avenue and First Street sampling unique foods made with seasonal ingredients by some of the nation’s most influential chefs. Another culinary experience is on Aug. 26 and Aug. 27 from noon and 3 p.m. at the Lexus Grand Tasting inside the Barker Hangar. On Aug. 27 from 7 to 10 p.m., chef Tyler Florence will host “LIVE on Grand” featuring Wyclef Jean. For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets, visit lafw.com.