Starting this September, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is bringing the magic of food replica culture to LA  with “Looks Delicious! | Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture,” the first-ever U.S. exhibition dedicated to some wildly realistic food replicas. Organized in collaboration with world-leading food replica manufacturer Iwasaki, and curated by Simon Wright, Director of Programming at JAPAN HOUSE London, the exhibit showcases how these edible illusions have evolved from practical marketing tools into a uniquely Japanese art form.

From floating chopsticks in a bowl of ramen to a perfectly melting grilled cheese, visitors will encounter a wide range of three-dimensional shokuhin sampuru depicting super-realistic menu items. The variety of food replicas on display will showcase the regional diversity of Japanese cuisine, including a specially commissioned collection representing dishes from each of Japan’s 47 prefectures, and represent the iconic sites of Japanese food culture, from kissaten (coffee house) parfaits and melon cream sodas, to izakaya(pub-style) skewers and nostalgic train station bentō (packed meal) boxes. The exhibition will also introduce the distinctions between replica artists specializing in yōshoku (Western food), washoku (Japanese cuisine), and chūka (Chinese cuisine), and reveal the history of this ever-evolving art form, the cutting-edge techniques used in manufacturing today, and advances for the future.

Saltie Girl. Every Wednesday, Saltie Girl brings the East Coast summer tradition to SoCal with individual clambakes that include a whole 1.5-pound lobster, New England steamer clams, corn, and marble potatoes, served alongside melted butter.  It’s priced at $98. The tinned fish mecca has also started Sunday Sessions with live music from the Hunter & Branden duo from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Sunday.

Food Replica Culture

Orla by Michael Mina (Tanveer Badal)

This September, the newly opened Regent Santa Monica Beach will offer  Golden Evenings by the Sea with a  S’mores Sunset Hour by the fire with live acoustic sounds, cozy blankets, warm fire pit seating, and gourmet s’mores topped with sea salt caramel and chili chocolate. Every Saturday in September, the Pacific Garden becomes a cozy evening escape from 8-9:30 p.m. (complimentary for hotel guests).

There’s also a Farm-to-Table Journey with  Executive Chef Chris O’Connell,  a guided walk or e-bike ride to the  Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. Guests can select seasonal produce, meet local growers, and return to the resort for a curated tasting experience,  custom market tote, recipe card, and chef-curated treat. Available on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

In October, the Regent will offer an  Autumn by the Coast Oktoberfest featuring  Santa Monica Brew Works seasonal brews, gourmet hot dogs, live music, and traditional dancers on the lower pool deck on Saturday, October 11.  For DOGtoberfest, dress up your pups and grab a pint together in the Pacific Garden on Sunday, October 12, for doggie beer, a dachshund dash,  a costume contest, and pet adoptions. 

There will also be Tricks & Treats by the Tide,  a beachfront twist on trick-or-treating, where little ones can collect sweets from stops across the resort on Friday, October 31.

Food Replica Culture

Bayside brews and bbq (Courtesy Sea World)

SeaWorld San Diego is firing up the fun and flavor with the return of its Bayside Brews & BBQ festival running through Monday, September 1, on select dates. There will be more than 60 craft beers from celebrated local and regional breweries, paired with a new menu of bold, BBQ-inspired dishes created from the kitchen of Executive Chef Zuric Ramirez. 

Participating breweries include AleSmith Brewing Company, Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits, Belching Beaver, Black Plague Brewing, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, and Mike Hess Brewing.

At Wild Arctic, there will be a variety of food huts,  from BBQ staples and a loaded potato bar to bourbon-style BBQ. The BBQ hut features new items like the Santa Maria Tri-Tip Sandwich, topped with provolone and pickled onions, and the new plant-based Jackfruit BBQ Sandwich with grilled pineapple jalapeno slaw. Guests can also dig into amazing comfort foods, including piping hot mac and cheese with the option to add BBQ or Tri Tip. At the Polar Potatoes hut, choose from brisket, carnitas, chili, and cheese-loaded baked potatoes. 

At Waterfront, there will be on-the-go offerings like Bourbon BBQ Wings and Loaded Onion Rings piled with brisket, fried onions, and mustard caviar.

What’s Popping Up is a column in the L.A. Weekly that explores everything new in food and drink.