spring forward.

As much as I love transitioning into longer, sunnier days, the process of "springing forward" is always a nightmare. Everything feels too bright, too intense...just too, too.

The funny thing is it all hit me on Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. this year. Saturday turned into the crankiest day of 2015 so far, and I decided to treat myself to a ticket to the LA Weekly's "The Essentials" food event. It's hosted in conjunction with their "99 Essential Restaurants" issue and features many of the hotspots on the list. I figured food had to cure a case of the Spring Forwards--just like it cures everything else.

The massive event was held at the California Market Center in downtown L.A., and it was packed. The line to enter snaked endlessly before you finally made it to elevator which took you to the top floor.

Surround by sweeping views of the city, I stood in more lines for the most delicious bites L.A. has to offer.

From A-list trucks (Kogi, Guerilla Tacos, Mariscos Jalisco) to revered institutions (Guelaguetza, Philippe's, Spago, Jitlada) to the new hipster kids on the block (Petit Trois, Pot, Sqirl, Saint Martha), the noshing experience spanned from Santa Monica to Sun Valley to the San Gabriel Valley.

There was plenty of beer, wine, a Keurig coffee stand, but I opted to wash it all down with a Jarritos mocktail.

I think what made the occasion especially lovely was that it represented a side of L.A. few people understand. Paradoxically, the sprawl of the city brings together a thriving, tight-knit community that celebrates something other than entertainment.

Don't get me wrong--it was all entertaining. The food, the chefs, the people watching, the views--it all made for a smashing way to celebrate the shortest day of the year.