Go Bento!
September 30, 2009 Posted by The Flying Hen
I was traveling down the slippery slope to laughable lunches. My kids’ lunchboxes were looking like science experiments…gross ones! Alas, it was time for Spring Break, and a break from packing lunches was just what I needed. This is also the time when I treat myself to a new magazine every year. Standing in front of the display at Whole Foods, a bright cover with some gorgeous freshly steamed asparagus jumped into my foodie view. I knew I would be devouring this magazine called Eating Well cover-to-cover for the entire week.
You expect to see lots of articles dealing with packing healthy, nutritious lunches at the beginning of each school year. Imagine my surprise when I opened the April 2009 issue only to find an article called “Green Bag It: Lunches to Go!” More time thinking about packing lunches? Ughhh! But, here’s the kicker: it was all about reusable bento-style lunch containers! The bento box idea originated in Japan long ago and truly makes modern school lunches “to go” my new “go to”. The food just looks so appetizing and fresh, you can see all the healthful colors and it looks so gourmet when it’s packed in the neat little bento boxes. The article even highlighted a few brands, namely www.laptoplunches.com for kids. The photos of these lunches were like nothing I’d ever seen and everything I wanted my kids to have.
As soon as I could, I went to Green Logic to see if they had heard of these bento beauties. When I stepped into the store, the very first shelf that caught my eye was loaded with the exact brand I craved in a myriad of colors. Granted, they are a significant investment. But for $40 you get the outer insulated case, the inner BPA-free shell with five inner containers (two with tops to prevent dips and dressings from leaking), silverware, and a twelve ounce beverage container, plus room for an icee in the top’s inside mesh pocket. You bet I bought two; a blue one for my fifth grade son (which would easily pass down to my kindergarten son since I have to be realistic about middle school next year) and a pink for my second grade daughter which could last through fifth grade. It fits just enough for a fifth grader and I would recommend bigger ones for the older set.
I couldn’t wait to get these great investments loaded with delicacies for testing the next day. I had so much fun preparing my own creations. How did I do? Two home runs! My son said the lunchroom teachers were even asking where he got such an amazing vessel. And since I know the thing is basically leak-proof I told the kids to throw NOTHING out. Not only do I get to see what they really ate, the food still looks good enough to eat at the end of the day and they have what’s left for snack on our 20-minute car ride home.
You can visit www.laptoplunches.com for photos and helpful tips on packing your own bento lunch. And, thank you Eating Well for introducing me to the world of lunchtime bento!
Vanessa says:
September 30th, 2009
What a wonderful idea. I love the concept. But $40 seems a little expensive for my taste. I might try this with different size tupperware. Maybe that would work. I’ll keep you posted if I find ones that fit together.
Jackson T. says:
September 30th, 2009
You might be interested in this website called Lunch in a Box. It’s all about Bento and quick pack lunches. You and your readers might enjoy it.
Katie says:
September 30th, 2009
Vanessa, there are less expensive sets out there. I just Googled around a bit and found this one for $19.95 and it looks like it is from the same Laptop Lunches company. http://www.lunchboxes.com/bento.html
Carla says:
September 30th, 2009
Thanks for such an informative post. I’ve been making Bento style lunches for my kids for about a year. I found a book that has lots of good Bento ideas in it called “Kawaii Bento Box: Cute and Convenient Japanese Meals on the Go”. It’s written by Joie Staff and I have found it indispensible in helping me create delicious and fun lunches for my girls.
Janice says:
September 30th, 2009
If you’re looking for affordable Bento boxes, try Leaflet. They make some good ones for around $10 each. While not quite as colorful as the ones you mention here, they’re sturdy and leakproof. I know you can get them at H Mart – our local Asian market here in Portland – and I found them online too at Webichi.com. Webichi seems to have other brands I haven’t tried, so it might be a good place to go “Bento shopping“. Anyhoooo, before I ramble too much more, here’s a link to the Leaflet boxes on Webichi http://www.webichi.com/en/details/93017
Painted Hen says:
September 30th, 2009
This looks so neat, I think I might give it a try too. I’m glad there are books and websites with lunch food ideas, as I seem to find myself buying the same things each week.
Flying Hen says:
October 1st, 2009
Vanessa, you are on to something I have been trying to “perfect” for my older set who find the bento mentioned a bit small for their high school appetites – please stay “posted” for my DIY Bento article. Also, as Katie commented, there is the Laptop Lunch “inside containers” only for $19.95, but I have found the outer insulated cusom case to be invaluable! That way the beverage bottle fits in and keeps everything chilled until lunchtime – keep brainstorming everyone, this is a fun project that has so many healthful benefits!
Flying Hen says:
October 1st, 2009
Jackson T. and Carla, Thanks for the website and book references – very helpful as we are always looking to step it up another notch!
Flying Hen says:
October 1st, 2009
Janice, I am craving an H Mart! In the meantime, here in Colorado, I am going to Webichi.com as we “speak” as we are always looking for affordable bento options.
Valerie says:
October 6th, 2009
Here is another great resource for eco-friendly lunch/snack products, Kids Konserve. I love that you can buy a la carte and not have to buy the entire kit. The stainlees steel containers are wonderful – no more plastic!
Check out: http://www.kidskonserve.com