In the spirit of full disclosure: I assumed that the Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival, TASTE, was just like every other festival out there – you know, a large banquet room, a bunch of vendors, people getting drunk.

Those aren’t negatives, but that’s what I pictured. And when I saw that it was four days long, I was confused. I know L.A. likes to go big, but I think I’d get the idea after a day or two.

This is one of the things I have to be careful of, those pesky little assumptions. I failed on my part to really investigate what this festival is all about before accepting the invitation – procrastination is a writer’s game, for sure. But last night I got down to it and researched the event, and all I could do was smile.

A far cry from the traditional festival, TASTE will host events mostly in Beverly Hills and Hollywood (one of the nine is held downtown). Each day there are between one and four (some occurring at the same time), and most cost between $125 and $150 each. I am lucky enough to attend almost all of them, but ninety-nine out of a hundred people aren’t going to spend $1000 on a weekend (plus hotels, plus flights, etc.).

FYI the prices are steep but keep in mind event tickets are all-inclusive and offer everything from unlimited tastings of chef creations from 40 of L.A.’s best restaurants plus unlimited tastings from wineries, breweries and distilleries. You also have access to demos by celebrity chefs, live musical entertainment, and panel discussions.

I’ve got to be honest – panel discussions bore the hell out of me. I’ll be avoiding those.

But not to worry – I’ll be tasting and drinking away – maybe even talking to a celebrity (hosts include Giada, Duff Goldman, Roy Choi, Scott Conant, among others). I’ll be sure to let you know what I think. Then next year, if you are impressed with the festival and the time I have, you can make a long weekend of it and come mingle in Beverly Hills for an event or two.

There is information available for all nine events, but here are the two I’m most anticipating:

Brunch tastings on the famous Rodeo Drive. Los Angeles’ restaurants will serve up signature brunch dishes alongside free-flowing Bloody Marys, Bellinis and mimosas. I am excited to see that Rock Sake will be a part of this event – I really enjoyed it when I had it at CHAYA (downtown L.A.). Ciroc, a French vodka that rivals Grey Goose, will also be there. I hope they’ll mix that in with some orange juice for me, because I am not a fan of the Bloody Mary.

‘Desserts After Dark’ with Duff Goldman. I can’t believe I just wrote that. Never in my life have I been a dessert guy, but something has changed in the past year. I have no rhyme or reason – I’m simply hooked now. Apparently there’s a new spin on a donut called a “fonut” – it’s baked instead of deep fried. And perhaps my newfound fondness goes hand-in-hand with my affinity for after-dinner drinks. I’m definitely having some Limoncello.

I don’t think I’ll be able to taste all the desserts (35 vendors total), but I should have a nice stomach ache by the end of the first hour.

TASTE kicks off this Friday at 7 p.m. with Burgers and Beer in Beverly Hills, and tickets are still available for all the events. Use the promo code “WEB” for 40% off select events.

I know I mentioned the other two before it, but I am pretty sure Burgers and Beer will make Wake and Wander very happy.