Monday, February 16, 2009

Real-life bentos

I've been packing bentos for a year and a half and to-date have posted 173 bento posts and over 400 posts in my blog. I am a big time silent lurker of bento blogs. Sometimes, I also browse for bento pictures posted in Flicker.

I have, since my initiation to bento been enthralled by kyaraben and awed by these kyaraben maestros who seem to be able to turn any picture or vision into a piece of edible art.

Lately, whilst browsing through the local Malaysian bento scene, I've noticed lots of kyaraben bentos. Some very ammature, some improving gradually and some very, very talented.

Back in the home ground, I can only look in awe and salute these mummies. To be honest, I've been tempted to jump on the band wagon to be part of this exciting and enticing company.

But....I have to be practical. I have very little time, a limited budget, a limited selection of food that my children will eat and huge commitment to dish out 2-3 bentos each morning whether I feel like it or not.

When I read this, I felt comforted that there were still people like me who packed "real food" simple and practical with a dash of 'cutesy' where time and flavor allows. *sighs a great relief*

Call me old fashioned, I love the flavors that a bento can offer and I think that a great tasting bento is what I like to settle for.

Welcome to my world!

12 comments:

Emily said...

Well At Least Your Bentos are HomeCooked and HomeMade.... mine are 90% outsourced!

Enjoy my visits to your blog each and everytime!

Join you in a 'Tabit Spring' to all our local mummies who pack bentos with tons of love for their kiddos! They are really amazing and you included big time!

Bento Pet said...

Emily: Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement! God bless you! We need to meet soon, I got you a green cookie dunker.

Anonymous said...

Yay! I'm so glad that's what you took away from that entry about real-life Valentine bentos at Bug's preschool. I was SO reassured that they weren't all elaborate creations -- it made me feel good about our normal speed bentos. Seriously? With a 4-year-old running around, there's no way I could make kyaraben all the time.

Spiceaholic said...

I just discovered your blog!

I too am in awe of the artistry and creativity many put into theirs, but I just don't have the time to devote to it. Doesn't mean my lunches can't look nice though.

Please check out my blog, I've also been bento-ing on and off for a year and a half.

www.one-bite-at-a-time.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I feel so left out when looking at all those nice creative bentos prepared by my blogger buddies.

I simply do not have the time to do so and also not very creative.

Bento Pet said...

Biggie: Thank you for that reality post. I've been in two minds about keeping bento speedy and practical.

Sometimes the trends are a great influence and we need some reality checks and wake up calls.

Bento Pet said...

spiceaholic: I visited your site. Nice bentos. I seem to have the same problem as you, the pictures don't come out very clear sometimes.

I think I need some photography lessons.

Bento Pet said...

Elaine: Personally, I feel that if I've given my best I'm happy at that.

Enjoy it, after all it's for our kids that we are doing this. We do what we can.

Emily said...

Emily's jumping up and down with glee! green cookie dunker?!!! yeah!! have to meet up soon. got half a bento box ensemble for you - color maroon! half means minus the bag and the strap... but I am sure you have lots of those missing two!

SIG said...

Hi, tks for stopping my blog. I haven't had much time to visit you till now. :) But i totally agree, I'm more a speedy bento mum really. I wish I know how to manage my time better to prepare those charaben. ;P

Bento Pet said...

Emily: Aiyoh! Thank you, thank you, thank you! "Jumps even higher"

Bento Pet said...

SIG: 3 cheers for speedy bentos!

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