“A good bento box packs in little tastes of everything – including occasional treats like bacon, cheese, and dessert. It’s all about creatively presenting a fresh, well-balanced meal that’s a delight to make and eat” (Crystal Watanabe and Maki Ogawa, Yum-Yum Bento Box).
Preface:
I have recently come to the realization that I love to read cookbooks. I say realization because I have been brought up under the belief that cookbooks are useful as a means to an end, but not necessarily enjoyable in and of themselves. Yet, after reading several cookbooks in a row, I was forced to reassess the situation and to admit that, for whatever quirky reason, I have indeed developed a strong appetite for devouring recipes in a purely literary fashion. Thus, don’t be shocked to find cookbooks reviewed here in the exact same way as any other fiction or non-fiction book.
Yum-Yum Bento Box is definitely one of the most fun and visually delightful cookbooks I’ve read. Even if I don’t intend to pack my fiancé’s lunch in the shape of frogs, penguins or little chick-omelets, it still gave me plenty of ideas for boxed-lunches and completely destroyed my previous opinions about what to include. Apparently slicing up pieces of hot dogs with herb-flavored rice balls is not only advisable, but also very appealing.
Reminds me… of My Neighbor Totoro because the characters’ bento boxes (although not in the shape of pig hamburgers) seemed so beautiful and edible, and I’ve been wanting to try one ever since.
Beverage: I’d go with one of those canned or bottled teas they sell at Whole Foods or some special markets. It seems quite bento and cute to drink tea from a can.
Book Lion 