We love bentos. On days when our lunchbreak is our only means of escape, a nice bento box can provide a little lunchtime inspiration.
Packing a bento box is an art. But just like art, making it look good takes practice. Amber, from My Aim is True, has been working hard to perfect her bento styling (above). We think she's got it down. Thanks for sharing your masterpiece, Amber!
Not only are bento boxes prettier than paper bags but they're also just plain practical. Everything fits together snugly so your cream sauce won't end up in the bottom of your bag. They're also (usually) very small so if you're concerned with portion control, you can't go overboard. And, being reuseable, bentos pass the green test.
We found this Deluxe Tenmari Bento Box set (and many more like it) on JBOX. This set's got everything you need for under $20. It includes a 2-tier bento, chopsticks with case, a furoshiki, and a zippered bag to carry all this sweetness.
AT On-Topic:
• The Carry All Technique of Furoshiki
• Bento Picnic Box
• Project Lunch Box
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To anyone who is interested in a new bento!:
I purchased this Mr. Bento:
http://tinyurl.com/3ydp9l
And - bless him and his cuteness - have never used him. Let my lack of creativity and inspiration be your opportunity! If you're interested in making him your new lunchtime companion, email me at megumphrey@gmail.com.
view menina's profile
I got one called laptop lunch for my kindergartner. http://www.laptoplunches.com/
Its a company founded by two women in Santa Cruz and is made in the USA and is cute and has different colors and comes with a spoon and a fork and a cute little case. It was my answer to getting a fun lunchbox yet not one with characters.
They are not only for kids, but for adults too.
view 95864's profile
I also love the laptop lunchbox. My toddler quickly learned the word "lunchbox" and it is often tough to keep him from raiding it in the morning. He's starting preschool at the center in my building next month (next week!) and they don't allow throw-away containers, so I'm glad he's already used to it. The only problem has been that the included fork broke in half after a month or two and left quite a jagged edge. I was glad I was holding it at the time, but would recommend finding higher-quality utensils if a child is using it.
view dot's profile
I really want to get bentos for my boyfriend and I, but I'd like to get ones locally if possible. Does anyone have a favorite store in Chicago, maybe in China or Koreatown, where I might purchase some?
view rsilverman's profile
Here's the only reason I don't have a bento (or laptop lunchbox, which looks better for fitting into a larger bag). I hate to microwave in plastic. I usually bring my lunch in pyrex containers for this reason. I doubt there's such a thing as a pyrex bento... that would be pretty heavy... any other ideas?
view mjoe's profile