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Is it Real or Fake? JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Explores Food Replica Culture

09.09.25

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles will open the first U.S. exhibition dedicated to Japan’s ultra-realistic food models on Sept. 18, 2025. Looks Delicious! | Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture showcases the art of shokuhin sampuru, handcrafted replicas that have been part of Japanese dining culture for more than a century.

Organized with leading replica manufacturer Iwasaki and curated by Simon Wright, director of programming at JAPAN HOUSE London, the exhibition will feature commissioned pieces representing each of Japan’s 47 prefectures. The models reflect the country’s diverse food traditions and will be on display through Jan. 25, 2026.

Replicas include kissaten parfaits, melon cream sodas, izakaya skewers, and train station bentō boxes. Visitors will learn about the artistry behind yōshoku (Western food), washoku (Japanese cuisine), and chūka (Chinese cuisine) replicas. Displays will highlight everything from whipped cream details to nostalgic regional specialties, along with the history, manufacturing techniques, and cultural impact of these edible illusions.

Guests can also create their own bentō boxes with replica ingredients in an interactive experience that highlights Japan’s emphasis on color, nutrition, and balance. Related programs will feature workshops, culinary demonstrations, and a curated collection of food sample goods in the WAZA Shop.

The first program, Special Talk | Inside Japan’s Hyper-Realistic Food Replicas, takes place Sept. 18, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will include a presentation by Takashi Nakai of Iwasaki Co., Ltd., offering a behind-the-scenes look at this remarkable craft.

Admission to the gallery, library, and Mindfulness Lounge at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is free. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is located at Ovation Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., on levels 2 and 5.

 

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Celebrate California Wine Month at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

08.26.25

This September, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa in Temecula is celebrating California Wine Month with a lineup of harvest-inspired events. Guests can look forward to grape stomping competitions, family-friendly fall activities, an intimate winemaker’s dinner, and live concerts in the Vintner’s Garden.

The season kicks off Saturday, Sept. 13, with the Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free to attend, the festival features live music, tractor rides, a kids’ craft table, lawn games, fall photo ops, and food and drinks for purchase. That afternoon, the Annual Grape Stomp invites guests 21 and older to compete in stomping freshly picked grapes, with prizes and a costume contest adding to the fun. Tickets are $130 and include dinner, a glass of wine, one grape stomp, and event-only wine discounts.

On Friday, Sept. 19, Executive Chef Jonathan Alcala teams up with winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores for a six-course Winemaker’s Dinner at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant. Each course will be paired with South Coast or Carter Estate wines. Tickets are $170 per guest.

The month also brings three Rhythm on the Vine concerts in the Vintner’s Garden, including Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band with Bobby Rush (Sept. 7), the Al Jarreau Reunion Band with Chris Walker (Sept. 14), and Kalapana’s 50th Anniversary Celebration (Sept. 28). Tickets start at $65.

Guests can make a getaway of it with the Autumn Awaits package, starting at $278 per night. Each night’s stay comes with a $50 gift card valid at the resort’s restaurant, spa, tasting room, or gift shop, as well as Carter Estate Winery.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula
(844) 428-6292 | www.southcoastwinery.com

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