Famous Food

The Starcourt Mall from "Stranger Things" is indeed a real place and might look like a fun spot to visit ... but fans who try will be very disappointed.

Yes, the main setting for much of season 3 of the hit Netflix series is Starcourt, which was shot at a real location -- the Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia -- from May to November in 2018.

The fun's all over now, though ... a publicist for the show tells TMZ the Starcourt scenes were all shot within one wing of the mall, and the set is currently being torn down. We're told security is on the scene turning people away if they try to get to the area where 'Stranger' was shot.

The mall was mostly vacant before production started, and the show was able to rent out an entire wing, including the food court, that wasn't being used.

That wing of Gwinnett Place was transformed into a late '80s-looking mall, complete with 40 stores like Sam Goody, Waldenbooks and the Scoops Ahoy ice cream parlor where Steve works.

Now that production's wrapped, we're told there is no plan to return to the location ... so it's business as usual inside the sleepy mall.

Sorry, die-hard fans ... you can still visit the mall, it just won't have that 'Stranger' feel. Almost as devastating as that season finale, right?

Bill Cosby's days of eating Jell-O and Pudding Pops are over -- and not just because he's behind bars ... he's simply sworn off sweets and carb-loaded foods.

The disgraced TV dad's spokesperson, Andrew Wyatt, tells TMZ ... since the day he was sentenced for sexual assault, Cosby has sworn off unhealthy foods. We're told he hasn't touched bread, desserts or any of the prison menu items filled with starch and sugar.

He's also given up coffee.

Wyatt says Cosby's health kick means he mostly noshes on fruits and vegetables, and he trades his bread, coffee and junk food to other inmates for their healthy grub ... especially broccoli, apples and bananas.

As for what inspired Cosby's diet ... we're told he didn't want to become an overweight prisoner who ends up suffering from diabetes like many others. So, even in his 80s, he felt he's not too old to eat right.

On top of that, Bill's got an exercise regiment in place that includes riding a stationary bike and doing crunches.

Wyatt says Cosby's lost a considerable amount of weight since he got locked up -- he down from 220 lbs. to 187 lbs.

Celebrity prisoners spending their July 4th holiday behind bars will chow down on an Independence Day spread like the rest of us ... filling their bellies with fatty foods.

TMZ's obtained prison menus from across the nation, and locked-up celebs Kodak Black, Suge Knight, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino and Michael Cohen are being treated to some pretty standard All-American fare ... mostly burgers and hot dogs.

Here'a a breakdown of their Fourth food options:

The Situation and Michael Cohen at New York's FCI Otisville:

-- Hamburgers, french fries, baked potatoes, sliced onions, pickles and fruit

Sitch is 6 months into his 8-month sentence for tax evasion, so this could be his last holiday meal behind bars. Not so for Cohen. President Trump's former personal attorney is just 2 months into his 3-year sentence for tax fraud and campaign finance violations.

Suge Knight at San Diego's Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility:

-- Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, crinkle-cut fries, cucumber onion salad, watermelon and chocolate milk

Suge is serving a 28-year sentence after striking a plea deal last year in his murder case. Remember, he's been on the inside since 2015 ... so he knows the game by now. No fireworks.

Kodak Black at FDC Miami:

-- BBQ roast beef, sliced beef sausage, hamburger buns, baked beans, mac and cheese, potato salad, sliced onions, sliced pickles and cheesecake

Hot dog eating god Joey Chestnut has a brand new BEEF -- this time, he's biting back at legendary sports reporter Peter King who's crapping all over food eating competitions. 

FYI, King has a real problem with ESPN releasing a new "30 for 30" special this week on the rivalry between Chestnut and his wiener-gobbling rival, Takeru Kobayashi. 

"A shame that as at least a fifth of children in America go to bed hungry nightly [ESPN is] highlighting gluttony, treating someone who overeats excessively as a 'competitive athlete,'" King wrote ... "Truly disgusting."

So, when we spotted Chestnut in NYC -- getting ready to defend his mustard yellow belt at the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4 on Coney Island, we had to ask for his thoughts. 

"I think Peter King ... he's kind of narrow-minded," Chestnut said ... "He's picking low hanging fruit."

"It's easy to criticize something ... he could easily criticize NASCAR for greenhouse gas emissions."

Chestnut says at the end of the day, the amount of food consumed at the competition is "very small" -- and notes that Major League Eating is very involved in donating to food banks around the country.

Steve Aoki can't offer Kawhi Leonard a max NBA contract -- but he's got the next best thing -- free pizza for life and a record-breaking pizza party for the Finals MVP.

Steve's Pizzaoki shop in Venice unveiled a massive mural of Kawhi in a Lakers' jersey over the weekend outside the restaurant. The mural features Kawhi clutching a massive NBA Championship Trophy and has become a huge attraction in the area.  

Steve tells us, if Kawhi decides to sign with The Lakers -- and join LeBron James and Anthony Davis -- he will personally throw a massive pizza party outside The Staples Center.

However, this won't be just your average pizza party ... Steve says he'll invite the masses in an attempt to break some world records. 

Aoki's also promisiong Kawhi free pizza for life at any of his 12 Pizzaoki locations around Los Angeles. 

We know how Travis Scott is gonna be getting his goosebumps now -- aside from Kylie Jenner --  it's a baller vending machine built to satisfy all his cravings! Well, most of 'em.

The Astroworld commemorative machine will be installed in Travis' office, and besides kicking out some very cool snacks, it also projects a 3D spinning hologram image of Trav's "Astroworld" album cover. 

It was designed by Houston-based beverage company Exotic Pop, and owner Charleston Wilson says they were happy to deliver when the rapper reached out for a customized vending machine.

The 49-inch multi-function touchscreen makes it easy to navigate the machine's vast offerings. For instance, it serves up soda from all over the world and, if you find yourself looking for a literal breakfast of champions, there's a Wheaties box! Shout out to Kylie's dad.  

And, if Travis or his crew doesn't see something they like, they can use the display to place a custom order, and have it delivered.

The unique vending machine has 14 patented parts, and getting one built would run ya around $50k. Charleston tells us they'll hand over Travis' machine in mid-July when he wraps up his European tour.

You're looking at the face of Cup Noodles ... the biggest star to come out of Japan in years -- NBA rookie Rui Hachimura -- who's telling TMZ Sports why he's PUMPED to get his NBA career going in the U.S. 

The 21-year-old became the first Japanese-born player selected in the 1st round of the NBA Draft when the Washington Wizards took him with the 9th overall pick ... and man, he looks stoked! 

And, get this ... we asked Rui if he feels any pressure now that he's in the NBA, dude SCOFFED -- telling us his rabid fan base back home has already prepared him for NBA superstardom. 

"It's been always like this," Rui said ... "but right now especially its crazy."

The 6' 8" Hachimura gained a massive following playing for Gonzaga ... making an Elite 8 run in 2019 and earning the West Coast Conference 2019 Player of the Year honors. 

He signed a massive deal to endorse both Cup Noodles and Nike -- and you can tell he's fired up about it! 

Tyra Banks wants to make dairy her cash cow ... and it looks like she has plans to turn a sweet profit off of her favorite cheat meal, with the help of her famous catchphrase.

According to new legal docs obtained by TMZ ... the supermodel applied for the trademark "Smize Cream," which she wants to slap on a new brand of ice cream.

The docs don't lay out the specifics of Tyra's dip into the world of delicious desserts, other than the name ... but it sounds tasty.

Tyra's own ice cream actually makes sense ... she coined the term "smize" -- as in, smile with your eyes -- and the 45-year-old has been candid about body image in connection with her recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition cover, saying people shouldn't feel guilty about occasionally indulging in ice cream.

No word if Tyra plans to fire up a "Smize Cream" truck this summer, but we can dream.

George Lopez is expanding his restaurant empire ... and holy guacamole it looks like he wants to add his own twist to a Mexican delicacy.

According to new docs obtained by TMZ ... the comedian applied for the trademark "George Lopez's Chingon Kitchen," which he wants to slap on new products including guacamole. He also wants to do the same on a new hot sauce and salsa.

The docs don't lay out exactly how George wants to add his unique mark to those products ... but if his menu is any indication, it's gonna be lit.

George's no stranger to the restaurant biz ... he opened his first joint in 2017 at the famed San Manuel Casino and opened his second branch earlier this year in Phoenix. Surprisingly enough, his Mexican cuisine menu doesn't offer any jabs at his least favorite Prez.

BTW ... for the gabachos out there -- "Chingon" is a term of endearment in Mexico, meaning "f***ing badass." George often calls himself "El Mas Chingon."

Tom Brady's avocado ice cream is the NY Jets of dessert ... as in, IT SUUUUCKS!

... at least according to Tom's #1 target Julian Edelman.

Tom has raved about the avo ice cream for years -- and even featured the recipe for the alleged treat in his book, "The TB12 Method."

Per the legendary QB, the healthy confection calls for an avocado, some cashews, some coconut, some dates, some cacao powder and water.

Brady's said of it in the past that it's "just as delicious but much healthier" than normal ice cream. Sure.

So, how does it REALLY taste!?!? We asked Jules ... and he hit us with a truth bomb!!!

"I DON'T LIKE IT."

That's it. Short statement. But, to the point. We finally have our answer.

The maker of the insanely successful "Angry Birds" mobile game is seeing red ... claiming in a new lawsuit an L.A. restaurant straight-up jacked its name and logo.

Rovio Entertainment -- the media company that launched the "Angry Birds" franchise -- is suing David and Mary Mkhitaryan, alleging they lifted the famous name and logo when they slapped "Angry Birdz" on a couple of L.A. joints they own.

Rovio says in the lawsuit it sent the Mkhitaryans a cease and desist letter in February but that went nowhere, so it's now suing for trademark infringement.

Rovio says the similarities between the name and the font the restaurant used prove the Mkhitaryans intended to profit off the enormous fame of "Angry Birds" -- its been downloaded more than 4 BILLION TIMES!!! - and confused consumers into thinking the game and the restaurant are somehow affiliated.

Barack Obama and the rest of his brood are having another helluva beautiful day in France ... this time palling around with U2.

Barack and Michelle Obama were all smiles as they enjoyed a walk in the medieval village of Èze, France ... with Bono and The Edge. The group -- that BTW, also included Malia and Sasha -- headed to the 2 Michelin-starred gourmet joint, La Chèvre d'Or for lunch.

44 and the former First Lady are seriously living their best life right now. They were out with friends at another high-end restaurant in Provence where the former U.S. prez and his family are vacationing.

Barack and Bono, BTW, have a special bond. For starters ... Bono's global campaign and advocacy group, ONE, worked closely with Obama's administration during his 2 terms in office. But, the bond goes even more way back ... U2's "City of Blinding Lights" was heavily used in 44's 2008 and 2012 campaigns.

Barry O also walked out to that very track when he gave his emotional farewell address in 2017.

Post Malone could NOT look more ecstatic living life in the wild.

The rapper and his crew are currently in South Africa getting in on all the touristy stuff. They all hit up the popular Lion & Safari Park in Broederstroom, South Africa and got a little taste of everything ... from petting cheetahs to feeding giraffes. Side note: who knew giraffes were huge Lays chips fans?

Check out the vid ... Post also got to pet a lion cub and even had a cheetah lick his hand. BTW ... Post was in South Africa because he performed earlier this week at the Castle Lite Unlocks hip hop experience in Johannesburg.

Takeoff was the man of the hour at his beverage-fueled surprise 25th birthday party ... but Cardi B made sure to grab some -- okay most -- of the attention.

Cardi and her husband, Offset, joined Quavo to celebrate the bday of their fellow Migos rapper in downtown L.A. Tuesday night, and the party theme was sweet ... as in loaded with sugary drinks, candy and cake.

The bash looked fun as hell too ... with a variety of arcade games, delicious food, and of course -- TakeOff's Drank Factory. According to Quavo, the party was thrown as a surprise for his pal ... he shared a post saying, "Surprise Take U Deserve It!!!"

Yes, sir!

As for the cake ... Cardi showed off plenty in a black fishnet getup accentuating her backside. Following her wardrobe malfunction at Bonnaroo, it appears she decided to go with a "less is more" approach to her outfit.

Barack Obama is living the good life after his time in office, and you can tell by just how many ways he expressed that with his face during dinner in the south of France.

The former U.S. Prez was dining Tuesday at high-end restaurant L'Oustau de Baumanière in Provence -- where he and his fam are vacationing -- with Michelle and some pals. Michelle was seated across the table, enjoying a glass of red wine.

In the pics, Barack's face reveals what feels like 15 different shades of joy as he and the table get in on a toast and take group photos in between bites. 44 even took up camera duty at one point, and he seems like quite the savvy smartphone photog.

We've come to expect this type of setting from Obama in the few years since he's left The White House, and after 8 years ... he deserves every minute of R&R he can get.

As for this dinner scene, imagine the Shia LaBeouf roller coaster of emotions meme and multiply it by ten. It's a feel-good journey getting through this one.

Katy Perry went into full geek mode at Disneyland ... just like the rest of the world visiting the park's newest attraction.

Katy and her fam hit up Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Tuesday and there was no shortage of fandom explosions. She was there with her fiance, Orlando Bloom, who challenged her to a lightsaber duel ... though Katy wanted no part of it cause she was in the middle of Instagramming the scene.

Check out the pics and vid ... you see Katy -- donning an orange jumpsuit and Mickey Mouse Nike hat -- doing a terrible job behind the Millennium Falcon. It's not us saying that. Her fam's the one busting her chops.