Inspired by their travels to Japan, New York photographer Michael Harlan Turkell and cooking store owner Harry Rosenblum have been putting on bi-monthly events they call "Sumo Stew," highlighted in the past by our NYC brethren at Gothamist, wherein they bring together local chefs to cook "chankonabe," the rich pre-match dish consumed by Sumo wrestlers sometimes called "sumo stew," and livestream Japan's bi-monthly grand sumo wrestling tournaments.

So far these eating festivals have been limited to New York, but the duo's first trek west is coming up in January on the 19th. That's bound for Magnolia Brewing Company's Dogpatch location where beer, sake, and Japanese whiskey will be flowing and big name chefs will be cooking up stew and other fortifying fare. Sadly, ravenous ticket buyers snapped up all the initial $65 spots after the event was highlighted by Eater, but I have a sneaking suspicion that some of those will be up for grabs if you're eager/persistent on the Facebook page, especially as the event itself nears. It's also worth noting that the event is for a good cause, as portions of the proceeds will go to the Japan Society and its relief effort in the wake of the recent Kumamoto earthquakes.

The event page explains that chefs Nick Balla and Cortney Burns of Bar Tartine and now the Japanese inspired Motze are in charge of the chankonabe, which they'll be doing with charred chicken, chili, egg, and sausage. Meanwhile, chefs Ravi Kapur of Liholiho Yacht Club, Shaun King of Pabu, Audie Golder and Traci Des Jardins of Jardinière, and Adam Tortosa of The Starling will be putting together a special bento box for guests.

Related: Go Eat This: Chicken And Egg Rice Porridge At Motze