July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Eating at Pacific Park on the Pier Just Got Even Tastier

In June this year, Santa Monica’s beloved oceanfront amusement park welcomed a brand-new eating experience to the Pier. “Snackville”, the brainchild of the late Michelin starred chef James Kent, opened to much fanfare on June 7, treating patrons to iconic Americana fare taken up a notch. 

Ferris wheels and screams of delight may not be normally associated with fine dining, butfans of the park’s former food options shouldn’t worry. Snackville retains the Pier’s original concession stand format and serves up all your favorite treats of yesteryear: think burgers, fries, hotdogs, and of course funnel cakes.

And while the fare is familiar and accessible, it’s also elevated. In overseeing the new venture, Kent, who tragically passed away last month,leaned on his vast experience in the high-stakes restaurant world. His goal to keep things simple and do themexceptionally well is evident in the five new stands he created: Smashie’s Burgers, Mr. Nice Fry, Churrita Churro, Cosmic Funnel Cakes and Scoops Creamery.

Kent saw Snackville as a chance to try new things and have fun. He evenintroduced a host of charming Snackville characters as mascots; the jaunty cartoon burger and a long-lashed churro with high heels recall 1950s concession-stand advertising.

In real life, these characters are as delicious as expected. The centerpiece of Snackville is Smashie’s Burgers, serving a finely-honed version of the popular smash burger. Ground beef is smashed into the hot griddle to deliver maximum crust and maximum flavor, before being topped with American cheese, grilled onions and special “Smashie Sauce” to create a juicy, drippy taste sensation. The stand also offers loaded hot dogs and fries.

If it’s a fun twist on fried potatoes you’re after, try Mr. Nice Fry, which offers several beautifully crispy fry varieties including “Skinny Dippers,” “Swirly Fries” and “Tater Wheels,”all served with tasty dipping sauces and seasonings. Plus, from inside Mr. Nice Fry you can order an eegee, the famous Arizonan beverage made from real fruit.This slushie-like frozen treat has been a summer staple in Arizona since 1971, and now makesits delightful Los Angeles debut — sure to be a calling card for the curious and thirsty alike. 

Then of course there’s dessert. The classic boardwalk treat, the funnel cake, can be found in all its glory at both Cosmic Funnel Cakes and Scoops Creamery, so there’s no excuse to miss out. Made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil, the cakes have a distinct airy, crispy texture and can be topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream or just a dusting of powdered sugar for the purists. 

At Scoops Creamery (no relation to the Highland Park store) you can enjoy a scoop of gorgeous Lappert’s ice cream in flavors like Hawaiian Sea Salt Caramel and Lemon Creamsicle, as well as milkshakes and sundaes. But leave room for the churros at Churrita’s: a levelled-up version filled with dulce de leche, dipped in chocolate, or just coated in classic cinnamon-sugar with vanilla soft-serve to dunk.

The opening of Snackville adds a new level of attraction to Pacific Park, a popular tourist spot that already brings in an estimated 12 million visitors annually. The Park is expected to get more upgrades over the next five years, with investment company SC Holdings putting some $10 million in the project.

It was SC Holding’s partnership with celebrated chefJames Kent that led to Snackville’s conception.Chef Kenthoned his skills at renowned kitchens like Babbo and Jean-Georges before joining Eleven Madison Park in New York City, leading the restaurant to three Michelin stars. Kent then went on to launch two Michelin-starred restaurants of his own—Crown Shy and SAGA, both in New York’s financial district—and formed Saga Hospitality Group with SC Holdings.

And while the restaurants James Kent founded sit firmly in the fine dining world, Kent himself was no stranger to the fun of the concession stand.  In September last year the award-winning restauranteur slung chicken sandwiches and toffee pudding for the lucky punters at the US Open in New York.

Chef Kent passed away of a heart attack at age 45 on June 12.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...