Sample Making in Osaka at Morino Sample

Kayla and Kim doing a trail run on our "dummy" parfaits.

Topping Galore!

Silicone gun action!

Finished parfaits look almost edible...almost...ah, now I am hungry!

Japan is known for its fake food displays outside of restaurants. This art form was first founded in Osaka. In the olden days, the "sample" food was made from wax, which was pretty tricky and tiresome. Today, they use silicone and other plastics to create food replicas.

Hidden among a residential area, this small workshop is filled with delicious looking samples: sushi, taiyaki, mochi, apples, donuts, and even gyoza! The most impressive was a large clock built into an oversized okanomiyaki replica (a true representation of Osaka).

The class itself is conducted in Japanese, but it is easy to follow along with the group. Participants can choose between making a parfait or decorating a cake. I opted for the parfait. I then chose my desired toppings (banana slices, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, apple wedge, cherry, etc). Then participants arrange their toppings on a "dummy" parfait until they are ready for the real thing. Once ready, you get to pick your sauce and with the help of the owner, pull the trigger on a silicone gun to create a parfait in a plastic glass. Afterwards, you have one change to apply your toppings. Let it set for 2 weeks and your sample is done!

As our parfaits and cakes were setting, the owner, Mr. Morino, explained the history and techniques of fake food making. Interestingly, tempura is created by a misting effect of PVC onto already make samples, such as shrimp. Lettuce is tricky and made with warm to hot water to get the rippling effect. After making the samples, they have to be colored, which is another area of art. For example, strawberries are yellow and then painted red so that some of the yellow shines through to look more realistic.

If you are interested in taking a class, you need to make a reservation (in Japanese). Click this link to go to the website: http://www.morino-sample.jp/.

Finished!