The English names of the characters Patty and Sellma, who work at the Questers Rest inn in Stornway, are a reference to characters from the American animated TV comedy series The Simpsons.
In the extra quest "Coffinwell Conundrum", Dr. Plegming remarks that the identity of the nameless king buried in the Quarrantomb was "a mystery worthy of the Professor himself." He is, of course, referring to Professor Layton, and the 'Professor Pose' party trick you receive as a reward for completing this quest is modelled after the Puzzle Solved animations from that series of games.
