The summer edition of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles’ Movie & Bites series will feature the animated film,  “Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko”  on Saturday, July 26.  The story follows the relationship between Nikuko, an exuberant single mother working at a seaside grill house, and her shy daughter Kikuko, who often feels embarrassed by her mother’s bold personality.

In line with the film’s themes, the event will spotlight Japan’s beloved konamon (flour-based street food) culture with simple, nostalgic dishes that bring neighborhoods together, particularly during summer festivals. Following the screening, a cooking demonstration and tasting experience will take place, featuring dishes such as yakisoba (fried noodles) and other classic snacks. Otafuku Foods will provide okonomiyaki (savory pancake) kits as take-home gifts.

Japan house

Movie And Bites (Courtesy Japan House)

Two pop-ups at Citizen Public Market are expanding – one moving into a permanent space, and the other extending its residency through August:

  • Smokey Chance, the popular BBQ pop-up at Citizen Public Market, is making it official and will open a permanent space inside the Culver City food hall on Thursday, July 31. Smokey Chance will serve its menu of classics and new items, including brisket sliders alongside lighter fare like a fresh greens salad.  Initial hours of operation will be Thursday through Sunday from noon til  8 p.m.
  • Jikoni, the AfriCali concept from celebrated cookbook author Kiano Moju, is extending its pop-up at the food hall through the end of August. Jikoni will go deeper into the cookbook and offer a summer menu of skewers, sides, daily biryani specials, and more. 
  • Boho Burgers & Brats, a Southern California spin on a classic German biergarten, opened in June and is serving up smash burgers alongside biergarten staples like beer-braised bratwurst and Bavarian pretzels. 
Japan house

Boho Burgers & Brats (Courtesy Citizen Public Market)

In celebration of National French Fry Day on Friday, July 11,  FryLab LA, a one-night-only culinary activation from  Chef Alvin Cailan, will transform his Amboy Quality Meats into an experimental tasting room called FryLab in partnership with Lamb Weston and Spiceology. Get a first look and tasting of five unreleased fry concepts developed by Cailan and a lineup of rising LA chefs, including Unreal Pok, B&C Teriyaki, and Randy’s Spammys. at the same time, exploring the influence of LA’s Chinatown After Dark movement and how these chefs are redefining late-night street food culture.  Get tickets here.

Then, in celebration of National Mac & Cheese Day on Monday, July 14, Angry Chickz is serving up its combo of bold heat and creamy comfort with a free side of Mac & Cheese when you order any classic meal or bowl. 

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream is turning 20, and to celebrate,  all participating locations will be giving away a free scoop of its Big Blast Sensation flavor on Saturday, July 19 from 2 p.m. to  4 p.m. . Using the patented process developed by the founders, Sub Zero flash-freezes custom ice cream creations with liquid Nitrogen at -321°F.  The Big Blast is a nostalgic mix of cotton candy ice cream,  marshmallows, and a sprinkle of fizzy Pop Rocks.

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