Food stylists go through great lengths to make "food" in advertisements and magazines look so yummy.
But sometimes it's just easier to go with fake food props rather than fiddling with the real thing (note: by law, the food being advertised have to be the real, edible kind - but garnishes and accompanying "side" dishes don't).
Here's a neat collection of fake foods and other special effects Tengrove Studios: Link
Previously on Neatorama: Fast Food: Ads vs. Reality | Secrets of Food Stylists
Btw that t-bone looks a little overdone for my liking. Or maybe rotten? Its very yellow. XP