HomeStateis hosting its second annual Margarita Showdown virtually on Saturday, September 9th. Live-streamed on www.MargaritaShowdown.com, the boozie competition? will be hosted by?actress and comedian Cristela Alonzo with?featured musical performances?+ DJ sets from?Spoon, Questlove, Fred Armisen.

This year's margarita makers include El Carmen, El Compadre, El Condor, Gold Line, Gracias Madre, HomeState, Las Perlas and Petty Cash. Attendees who would like to participate in drinking and voting can pre-order a margarita flight package here and pick them up at HomeState Highland Park on the day of the event (ID required). Packages are $50 and include a flight of eight? bottled 4oz margarita tastings, two limes, a garnishing salt, a HomeState metal straw, and keepsake Margarita Showdown glass.

Throughout the streamed festival, guests will be able to vote for their favorite margarita, with the winner being announced at the end of the program. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to No Us Without You! and Watts Empowerment Center.Yolo Journalfounder and editor Yolanda Edwards has partnered with Malibu Beach Inn to create a travel series inspired by summer destination favorites beginning with Italy's Amalfi Coast in September. Each month will feature a room package surrounding one of Yolo Journal's recently covered destinations.

The September Italian getaway staycation includes:

• In-room Aperitivo (Aperol Spritz and spuntino!)
• Yolanda's curated Italy playlist
• A copy of Yolo Journal's Italy edition (as well as a one-year subscription)
• Three-course, Italian-inspired menu on CBC Restaurant's oceanfront patio beginning with a menu of six Negronis from WM Brownfounder and editor Matt Hranek
• Acquacottacookbook by Emiko Davies

October will feature the Greek Islands and November the South of France. To book, visit here.

In honor of International Bacon Day on Saturday, September 5th, Ike's Love & Sandwichesis offering?free bacon add-ons?to any sandwich. Vegetarian?? No problem?this offer includes vegan bacon as well. Flash Ike's newsletter or Instagram post featuring the free bacon promotion to redeem.On the Ike's app, write Free Bacon? in the notes at checkout to redeem.? Add-on suggestions include the M?nage à Trois (Halal Chicken, three cheeses, and 3 sauces), The Bronco (vegan breaded chicken, Ike's red pesto, ranch and pepper jack cheese) and the Tony Soprano (turkey, ham, salami, Italian dressing and provolone cheese).If you've been streaming anime, you may have noticed how great the food looks. Enter?COOK?ANIME: Eat Like Your Favorite Character-From Bento to Yakisoba? by Diana Ault, a practical guide to?anime?food that recreates your favorite meals from on-screen is out now.

Featuring over 60 recipes, each dish is paired with some history, culture and facts allowing readers to learn more about Japanese culture as they?cook.Enjoy recipes like Onigiri (rice balls) from?Fruits Basket,Okayu (rice porridge) from?Princess Mononoke,and?Nikuman (steamed pork filled buns) from?Dragon Ball.

Taste O'Summer in Torrance from Discover Torrancewill take place September 7^th 18^th, ?featuring a variety of deals, complimentary treats and special menus available at 23 restaurants for outdoor dining, takeout and/or delivery options. The program is meant to support local establishments affected by the pandemic. Mention Taste O'Summer in Torrance? when ordering from participating restaurants? including The Brews Hall, Andre's Restaurant, 21 Square Kitchen & Bar, Restoration Kitchen & Wine, and Torrance Bakery.

The new fall/winter menu at Sloane's Valley Village features a Keto and gluten-free snackers dream: Rick's Pickle Sandwich a whole pickle split in two, carved out and stuffed with Havarti cheese, mortadella, fresh raw red onion, lettuce and tomato.

What's Popping Up is a weekly column in the LA Weekly that explores all that's new in food and drink.