Bento Lunch Bag

Is it too CHILDISH to bring this LUNCH BOX to college?

I pack my lunch and eat at the college's main cafeteria. There are a bunch of single chairs and tables and everyone minds their own business.

I hate paper bags because they always break and it's annoying to have to put everything in plastic bags. I want to buy this cute asian lunchbox on ebay-- it has two compartments and comes with a bag...I'm just afraid I'll look stupid/childish/kiddish eating with it.

This is the lunch box: http://cgi.ebay.com/Double-Layer-Japanese-Bento-Lunch-Box-Bag-Set-Pink_W0QQitemZ280277353436QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item280277353436&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Opinions? Should I just stick with the brown bag?

In my experience in college, no one says anything about a person's lunch. If it's something you want, you should get it. It's adorable!

Zojirushi - Mini Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar (White Floral) - Home $48.99 Zappos.com is proud to offer the Zojirushi - Mini Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar (White Floral) - Home: Tired of brown-bagging it? On a diet and want easy portion control? The Mini Bento lunch system from Zojirushi can do all of this -- and look good doing it! ; Kit contains: • 1 x 1 stainless steel outer container • 1 x sealable insulated container -- 9.5 oz. capacity • 2 x resealable, microwaveable side bowls -- 7.5 oz. (each) • Chopstick holder with chopsticks • Matching tote bag ; Tote bag is waterproof inside and out, and is roomy enough to hold the bento kit as well as other snacks or fruit. ; Insulated container can maintain an internal temperature of 120° F for up to 6 hours. ; All plastic items are BPA free. ; A rule of thumb for bento box packing: If you pack a lunch of 3 parts carbs to 1 part protein and 2 parts fruit and vegetables, one 600 ml (20 fl. oz.) bento lunch equals roughly 600 calories. ; Dishwasher safe. ; Model number: SZ-FC03. ; Dimensions: 4 high x 7.5 wide x 4.375 deep. ; Weight: 1.06 lbs (including bag.)

Zojirushi - Mini Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar (Blue Floral) - Home $48.99 Zappos.com is proud to offer the Zojirushi - Mini Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar (Blue Floral) - Home: Tired of brown-bagging it? On a diet and want easy portion control? The Mini Bento lunch system from Zojirushi can do all of this -- and look good doing it! ; Kit contains: • 1 x 1 stainless steel outer container • 1 x sealable insulated container -- 9.5 oz. capacity • 2 x resealable, microwaveable side bowls -- 7.5 oz. (each) • Chopstick holder with chopsticks • Matching tote bag ; Tote bag is waterproof inside and out, and is roomy enough to hold the bento kit as well as other snacks or fruit. ; Insulated container can maintain an internal temperature of 120° F for up to 6 hours. ; All plastic items are BPA free. ; A rule of thumb for bento box packing: If you pack a lunch of 3 parts carbs to 1 part protein and 2 parts fruit and vegetables, one 600 ml (20 fl. oz.) bento lunch equals roughly 600 calories. ; Dishwasher safe. ; Model number: SZ-FC03. ; Dimensions: 4 high x 7.5 wide x 4.375 deep. ; Weight: 1.06 lbs (including bag.)

Zojirushi - Ms. Bento Stainless Lunch Jar (Aqua Blue) - Home $43.99 Zappos.com is proud to offer the Zojirushi - Ms. Bento Stainless Lunch Jar (Aqua Blue) - Home: Tired of brown-bagging it? On a diet and want easy portion control? The Ms. Bento lunch system from Zojirushi can do all of this -- and look good doing it! ; Kit contains: • 1 x stainless steel outer container • 2 x sealable insulated containers -- 10.5 oz. and 11.2 oz. capacity • Chopstick holder with chopsticks • Matching insulated tote bag ; Tote bag is waterproof inside and out, and is roomy enough to hold the bento kit as well as other snacks or fruit. ; Insulated container can maintain an internal heat of 127° F -- or cold temperature of 52° F -- for up to 6 hours. ; All plastic items are BPA free. ; A rule of thumb for bento box packing: If you pack a lunch of 3 parts carbs to 1 part protein and 2 parts fruit and vegetables, one 600 ml (20 fl. oz.) bento lunch equals roughly 600 calories. ; Dishwasher safe. ; Model number: SL-MEE07. ; Dimensions: 6.5 high x 5 wide x 4.5 deep. ; Weight: 1.09 lbs (including bag.)

Zojirushi - Ms. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar (Stainless Steel) - Home $52.99 Zappos.com is proud to offer the Zojirushi - Ms. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar (Stainless Steel) - Home: Keep hot lunches hot or cold lunches cold with the Ms. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar from Zojirushi®. ; Lunch jar has an easy-to-carry bag to easily transport your lunch around. ; Stainless steel main container holds three plastic bowls in various sizes. ; Main container features vacuum insulation which boasts excellent heat retention. ; Lunch jar retains both heat and cold for up to six hours. ; Plastic bowls are microwave safe and have removable plastic lids. ; Set also comes with a forked spoon and utensil cover. ; Bag dimensions: 4.8 wide x 4.4 deep x 8.1 high. ; Capacity: Main bowl 10.5 oz., side bowl 11.2 oz., soup bowl 6.8 oz. ; Heat Retention: 149ºF. ; Cold Retention: 50ºF. ; Set weight: 1.1 lbs.

Zojirushi - Mr. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar (Stainless Steel) - Home $59.49 Zappos.com is proud to offer the Zojirushi - Mr. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar (Stainless Steel) - Home: Keep hot lunches hot or cold lunches cold with the Mr. Bento® Stainless Steel Lunch Jar from Zojirushi®. ; Lunch jar has an easy-to-carry bag to easily transport your lunch around. ; Stainless steel main container holds four plastic bowls in various sizes. ; Main container features vacuum insulation which boasts excellent heat retention. ; Lunch jar retains both heat and cold for up to six hours. ; Plastic bowls are microwave safe and have removable plastic lids. ; Set also comes with a forked spoon and utensil cover. ; Set weight: 1.9 lbs.

Mr. Bento Stainless Lunch Jar $54.99 And of course, we're talking about love = food. Also, being geeks, love = anything Japanese in origin. Bento in Japan is any sort of packed meal, usually the lunch one takes to work or school. Some bento boxes are flat with little dividers (like the kind at our favorite local Japanese place!), while others are little bowls that stack on on top of the next. Our Bento Lunch Box is one of the latter. The base of a bento lunch is usually white rice or noodles, followed by okazu (side dishes) that could be meat, fish, tofu, eggs, or fruits and veggies cut into chopstick-friendly pieces. Our Bento Lunch Box is made of insulated stainless steel, which will keep your food hot or cold up to six hours. You know what that means? You can forget to put it in the fridge at work and not worry about getting food poisoning at lunch. Pretty awesome, we say. Especially if you're in the type of office where lunches disappear. There are four microwavable containers that fit snugly in the box, ranging from the 6.8 oz small side bowl to the 15.2 oz main bowl. If you're not into packing chopsticks for your bento (or you think it would be ridiculous to eat tater tots with chopsticks), the Bento Lunch Box comes with a spork, or as we call it, the One Utensil To Rule Them All.

Zojirushi - Classic Bento Vacuum Lunch Jar (Ultra Black) - Home $69.49 Zappos.com is proud to offer the Zojirushi - Classic Bento Vacuum Lunch Jar (Ultra Black) - Home: Bring the sweet flavors of home with you wherever you go! ; Lunch jar is made of durable stainless steel with vacuum insulation to keep hot food hot and cold food cold. ; Retains heat at 156°F for 6 hours and maintains cold temperature at 49°F for 6 hours. ; Everything fits neatly into a durable carrying bag with a snap closure. ; Includes: Three microwavable inner bowls with covers. 1 x forked spoon. 1 x pair of chopsticks. 1 x protective bag with a carrying strap. ; Capacity: Main bowl - 20.0 oz. Side bowl - 14.0 oz. Soup bowl - 9.0 oz. ; Inner bowls are microwave safe. ; Hand wash only. ; Model number: SL-GRE18 ; Dimensions: 6.0 diameter x 8.25 tall. ; Weight: 2.0 lbs. ; Zappos makes every attempt to provide accurate information for each electronic product. Manufacturer packaging and specifications may be different from the information provided.

SALE!!! Skip Hop Bento Diaper Bag In Goldenrod $89.1 SALE!!! Skip Hop Bento Diaper Bag In Goldenrod

SALE!!! Skip Hop Bento Diaper Bag In Olive $89.1 SALE!!! Skip Hop Bento Diaper Bag In Olive

Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless Lunch Jar $59.99 Lunch turns out luscious and piping hot from the Mr. Bento jar. The stainless steel container holds four microwave-safe bowls, and offers exceptional heat retention for your delicious dishes. From Zojirushi.

Bento Boxes $10.46 Bento Boxes offers an elegant way to enjoy delicious, healthy food on the run. Whether your destination is work, school, a picnic, or an outdoor gathering, these portable meals are an attractive alternative to the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Renowned author, Naomi Kijima demonstrated how to make these appetizing meals in a few easy steps. With more than 40 main-dish recipes and step-by-step color illustrations, Bento Boxes is sure to be a welcome addition to the repertoire of anyone looking for new lunch ideas.

Schoolgirls Eating Packed Lunch, Bento, Kagoshima Park, Japan $19.99 Gavin Hellier Schoolgirls Eating Packed Lunch, Bento, Kagoshima Park, Japan - Photographic Print

Rectangle Hamburger Plastic Bento Lunch Box with Spoon $11.99 Description:Very cute Plastic Lunch Box in hamburger shape, comes with a mini spoon.Made of plastic and designed as 3-layered to separate different kinds of food.Airtight design, deliberate clasp closure on both sides of the Hamburger Bento to lock your food in.Unique hamburger shaped, makes dining more enjoyable.Adorable decorative both in kitchen and at parties.This Plastic Bento is also a great gift for your children!Lunch Box Size: ~15.8(L) x 11.5(W) x 9(H)cmSpoon Size: ~14(L) x 3.2(W)cmWeight: 181gPackage Included:1 x Hamburger Lunch Box1 x Spoon

The Just Bento Cookbook (Paperback) $29.44 Bento fever has recently swept across the West, fuelled not just by an interest in cute, decorative food, but by the desire for an economical, healthy approach to eating in these times of recession. A leading light in the popularization of bento has been Makiko Itoh, whose blog, Just Bento, has nearly 160,000 subscribers in the U.S. alone, all of whom love her delicious recipes and practical bento-making tips. Now, for the first time, Itoh`s expertise has been packaged in book form. The Just Bento Cookbook contains 25 attractive bento menus and more than 150 recipes, all of which have been specially created for this book and are divided into two main sections, Japanese and Not-so-Japanese. The Japanese section includes classic bento menus such as Salted Salmon Bento and Chicken Karaage Bento, while the Not-so-Japanese section shows how Western food can be adapted to the bento concept, with delicious menus such as Summer Vegetable Gratin Bento and Everyone Loves a Pie Bento.In addition to the recipes, Itoh includes sections on bento-making equipment, bento staples to make and stock, basic cooking techniques, and a glossary. A planning-chart section is included, showing readers how they might organize their weekly bento making.In a market full of bento books that emphasize the cute and the decorative, this book stands out for its emphasis on the health and economic benefits of the bento, and for the very practical guidelines on how to ensure that a daily bento lunch is something that can easily be incorporated into anyone`s lifestyle. This is the perfect book for the bento beginner, but will also provide a wealth of new bento recipe ideas and tips for Just Bento aficionados.

Japanese Bento Lunch Box $5.89 Overview:A stylish lunchbox that will keep your food freshest for longest!Leak proof, dishwasher and microwave safe.Removable divider keeps your rice and veggies separate.Specification:Weight Approx: 145gSize Approx: 25 x 15 x 5.5cm

The Just Bento Cookbook: $12.77 Bento-box lunches, inspired by the Japanese tradition, are taking the West by storm. More than just cute and decorative, this economical, healthy approach to eating will revolutionize your lunchtimes! Leading bento blogger Makiko Itoh has been spreading the bento word on her hugely popular web site Just Bento, but now, for the first time, her bento expertise has been packaged in book form. The Just Bento Cookbook is a treasure trove of delicious recipes and practical tips, and shows you how a daily bento lunch is something you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle. The Just Bento Cookbook contains 25 attractive bento menus and more than 150 recipes that have been specially created for the book. It is divided into two sections, Japanese, and Not-so Japanese. The Japanese section includes classic menus such as Sushi Roll Bento and Chicken Karaage Bento, while the Not-so-Japanese section shows how Western food can be adapted to the bento concept with delicious menus such as Summer Vegetable Casserole Bento and Everyone Loves A Pie Bento. In addition to the recipes, there are sections on bento-making equipment, staples to make and stock, speed and safety tips, and a glossary. There are timelines to streamline your morning preparation. A planning-chart section is included, showing how you might organize your weekly bento making. Whether you are just starting out on your bento journey, or already an aficionado, this book, with its wealth of recipes, tips, and practical guidelines, is sure to become an invaluable resource.

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furoshiki How to wrap a macbook laptop, bento box, shoulder bag.

The New American Lunch Box- a Japanese Tradition

 Take a minute to reflect back… Remember when you were kid? Now, try to conjure up this specific childhood memory - your wonderful lunchbox! You were cool, fun, and felt confident sporting this brand new piece of gear. This box and what it was filled with often reflected who you were. It was your first independent introduction into society. After all, didn’t your very own lunchbox mean you were finally a big kid!

 

Boys often carried western or space themed lunchboxes, girls went with Barbie, and younger children with a wide variety of Disney characters. All I remember is that I was stuck carrying the plaid design and the girl across the street, Cheryl Shelmadine, had a Lassie the Wonder Dog lunch box. I didn’t. What were my parents thinking? Regardless of the style, lunchboxes have represented, as well as reflected, a major part of American cultural history.

 

Luckily for our children, we live in a dynamic area. We can gain access to the wonderful traditions of so many cultures. Once incorporated with our fresh local foods, and given a twist on presentation… POOF! The new American lunch box – the bento box.

 Bento boxes surfaced in Japan about 900 years ago with the creation of hoshi-ii. Hoshi-ii means “dried meal” – it is rice that has been cooked and then dried. Bento boxes were once simple containers housing individually packaged portions of rice, meat or fish, and pickled or cooked vegetables. Through the ages, they have progressed from oak or bamboo leaf wrapped portions into lacquered wooden boxes, shiny aluminum, and modern day plastics.

There are contests held where people compete to win prizes and prestige for designing the most elaborate bento boxes. This type of artistic bento is called a kyaraben. They aesthetically arrange the foods to resemble people, flowers, plants, or animals. Some are so beautiful they look too good to eat… well almost!

 

Of course, bento boxes are still available today in many locations throughout Japan, but now bento boxes are taking America by storm! Traditional Japanese bento boxes are quickly becoming the must have lunchbox for otherwise brown paper baggers. A visit to today’s school cafeterias might have some parents thinking they’ve stepped into a new culture when they see these trendy new lunch containers. It’s not all about appearances though - bento boxes are fun to fill, pleasing to the palette, prevent foods from getting smashed, and make packing a lunch both cost and time effective.

 

Lunch boxes today are still the ultimate in personal style and expression. Even not carrying one is often for the sake of fashion. Whatever your taste, lunchboxes continue to be a reflection of American culture. The bento box is simply a plastic container housing other various shaped containers for your foods stuffs. Sometimes they are stacked, square round, flat, or whatever your desire. There are designer bento boxes are available featuring popular cartoon characters and fun designs – hopefully not plaid. You can even accessorize your bento with fun flatware to match, and miniature bottles no larger than your thumb for salad dressings, soy sauces or other flavorings of your choice.

I recently purchased a “laptop bento” for my daughter, Danielle. It came in a thermal cooled case that resembles a notebook computer – and of course, it was almost the same price. It is a typical bento for a “Middle Schooler” - not too flashy. Once opened, the case reveals spaces for all different kinds of goodies. Each space has its own lid and they fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. She absolutely loves it!

Packing A Bento

No matter how old my kids get, they still love helping to pack their lunches with fun foods. When we go hunting for bento box fun we frequent the Japanese dollar store in downtown in San Mateo. They have a great variety of kid friendly lunch packing items. One of my favorites are the food molds. With absolutely no major artistic kitchen skills you can shape foods into simple animals, cars, trucks, trains, plants, or people shapes. Try them out with brown rice and veggies for an Asian flair, tuna or chicken salad, eggs, or even make must-have-meatballs with them!

Just like the use of the Japanese containers – use fusion when packing them. California nouvelle cuisine is a blend of cultures, using fresh local ingredients and new fun presentation style on any classic meal. These tiny treasure chests are great for serving up leftovers in a fresh new way that will have your children eager to see last night’s meal again. Remember to be creative and artistic when packing a bento and to involve your child. Use cookie cutters to make uniquely shaped “tea sandwiches”, layer foods for presentation, and include little containers of their favorite dips. The better it looks and the more input they have the more likely they are to eat it!

Use these fun lunch packs and fuse some of your own cultural sensations inside. Here are some ideas to get you going. Incorporating a variety of foods your child enjoys will make them much less likely to succumb when they hear “I’ll trade you!” in the cafeteria.

Mac ‘n Cheese – Left over macaroni and cheese, fresh sliced tomatoes, steamed veggies, and fresh finger fruits (grapes, berries, cherries, cubed melons, sliced kiwi, etc.). They’ll be sure to devour this child friendly favorite. All housed in the separate containers or pressed into fun shapes.

Snack Attack – Diced fresh finger fruits and veggies, sliced cheeses, cubed turkey breast or ham, and multi-grain crackers make for a delightful blend of flavors and nutrition. Don’t forget to add crackers and your favorite vinaigrette in a small fun sized bento squeeze bottle.

Dinner for lunch- –Your favorite shaped meatballs, brown rice, sliced fresh veggies, and low-fat yogurt to dip. This bento is also great with leftover spaghetti!

Pot Roast Personified – Diced left over pot roast, roasted root veggies, fresh finger fruits, and a garden salad. Served cold, with a piece of buttered whole grained pita bread.

Super Salads – Molded tuna, chicken, or seafood salad, whole grain crackers, fresh fruits and veggies, and cute baby cheese. Don’t forget to add sliced red bell peppers. They are really sweet to eat - especially with cream cheese to dip them in.

Now, with some bento experience under my belt I can honestly say that not only do kids love these crafty containers – but I do too. They are also great for picnics, travel lunches, or any time you’ll be away from home. They just make sense! One more important thing... bento boxes do require some washing after the box arrives home. This is another great opportunity though to get the kids involved and teach some early childhood responsibility as they help wash up their lunch box and get it ready for the next day.

Looking for some more creative lunch suggestions or ways to fuel your child’s passion for cooking? Check out the fun filled classes and summer camps at Kids Culinary Adventures. We’ll even teach them about the importance of clean up! Chef Gigi is founder and owner of Kids Culinary Adventures. A professional cooking school for children and teens in the San Francisco bay Area. Check them out on line at

www.kidsculinaryadventures.com

About the Author

Chef Gigi began her adventure in the kitchen as a child; then went on to mesh her passion for the culinary arts with her innate business savvy and entrepreneurial drive.

Utilizing both her acclaimed skills as a chef and her business expertise, Chef Gigi has assisted in the openings of restaurants, food divisions, as well as worked at several top hotels throughout the greater Bay Area, including launching her own full- scale event planning and catering business for a high profile client list. As a proprietor, she was profiled as one of the Top 25 Bay Area Chefs by 18 Media.

Chef Gigi later returned to her alma mater, the California Culinary Academy, where she graduated with honors, soon after she received a certificate from pastry instruction in Europe.

Returning to the United States Chef Gigi worked to hone her skills. After many years in the industry, Chef Gigi then went full circle returning to the California Culinary Academy as Dean of students; while launching the famed Le Cordon Bleu's Hospitality Management program. In addition to acting as an instructor for the academy, she also trained staff for corporate hotel chains nationwide.

Chef Gigi graduated Cum Laude from the American Intercontinental University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and continues to hone professional culinary skills with continuing education classes. She is the mother of two young school age daughters; who assisted in the concept and launch of KCA and continue to be active to this day.