I Love Obento Review!
For those of you that are new to the world of “bento,” you are in for a real treat. And for those who already know about these beautiful boxes (which put any plain old lunch box to shame), you have to check out http://www.iloveobento.com
This family owned store offers one of the best selections I’ve ever seen of these great boxes. It’s very easy for a busy mom to hide healthy and nutritious food inside – it might even instill a little pride in your little one! You can see the full list of bentos here: Bento Collections
We were lucky enough to get to review the “smart bento” just in from Japan (pictured on the right). Iloveobento.com is the only store to carry these outside of Japan so far. These beautiful boxes come in six great colors (you may even get your significant other to take a healthy lunch to work!) and there are two trays for food. This makes separating food easy and very portable. In addition, the chopsticks that come with the box fit perfectly into a tray at the top of the bento.
I actually had mine in my purse (it’s so thin and very easy to carry) the other day when my husband and I tried a new sushi restaurant in town. Don’t tell anyone, but I actually ordered an extra roll and stored it in my smart bento so I could see how the really delicate food traveled. I was pretty impressed. When I got home, the roll was just as fresh and delicious as it had been in the restaurant.
In addition, my son — who won’t touch a vegetable — loves to carry the bento around and put carrot sticks in it. In addition, he's dropped the box, played with it and he loves to take it apart and put it back together again. It's still in tact, and still looks just as good as it does the day we got it. These are the best “lunch boxes” you will ever see. And for the grown-ups, it’s just flat out cool. Elegant, classy and dare I say…even a little bit sexy! (Did you see the black one? I love it!)
Definitely check out the iloveobento.com website and get your kids something they’ll be really proud of to take to school in the fall! And in the meantime, enjoy summer picnics, hikes and bike rides with your lunch or a snack in a smart bento box. You may find yourself wondering why these aren't in every person's bag.
A note from their site about the bento:
As is customary with the Japanese, beauty, economy and great care were all intertwined in the bento. It has gone through many changes throughout the centuries. Bento containers have changed drastically over the years from their humble beginnings of small bags or bamboo leaves to the beautiful lacquered and wooden boxes of today. I believe the actual food artistry of the bento is an emerging cultural art form in our present day.
Review by Sarah
