Lent starts this week. I don't fast because of health reasons but I will be trying to abstain (from meats) more. My son does not yet have to fast but figure I would use this season to emulate what he will be doing in coming years. I am thinking of promoting using bentos for the season (it should be easier to meet fasting rules if you pack your own meals). Any suggestions??

Hello All, I am new to bentoing & my exposure to Japanese culture has been limited. So as I read many of your posts I am left scratching my head thinking What the heck is that? I am picking things up slowly Like: Furikakie is a seaweed & sesame seed based seasoning for on rice Nori is Seaweed dried into thin sheets used for decoration and wrapping sushi Gyoza are steamed dumplings is there a book with stuff like this explained or a section here on the forum already & I missed it? Or do I just need to pipe up more often?

Via the site referrer logs, I found this lovely, well-written account of a first-time bento: My first attempt-o at bento. Do you remember your first bento attempt? What was it like? I think mine was when I was in the first year of middle school (7th grade in US school chronology). My mother was too busy, and I made some salmon onigiri. My hands were sore from the hot rice, but boy were those onigiri good!

I will be flying out of Portland to Texas, each leg of the trip will be 2.25 hours long. I took a look at Frontier's BOB options and nearly gaged. I planing to bring a bento with me for lunch. What considerations in food prepand choice and making it through the TSA check point. What the best way to keep the bento cold.

Hi. :) Since I'm relatively new to Bento lunches, I'm going to make a trip to the local Asian store tomorrow to stock up on essential ingredients. Are there certain things that I should always have in my pantry? What else should I get?

AnnaTheRed has some geeky bentos featured on Wired.com! Very clever. Check them out!

Hello! I was wondering how long it takes everyone to actually eat their bentos? I'm excited about trying bentos, but I'm afraid I wont have time to enjoy all my hard work. Right now I take about a 10-15 minute lunch, but I'm only eating a granola bar. Thanks for your input. :)

Hey all! First time to the forums and I have a maybe weird-ish question? I'm no stranger to bento making but in the past I have been able to refrigerate and/or heat up my bentos in a microwave. However currently I have a job that not only has NO set schedule, which is bad enough - but I have no access to a fridge, or a microwave. I know I could technically get some ice packs and pack them well, but I have a LOT to carry as a freelance artist, and my bento in a small bag is usually all I can handle. Also I really don't enjoy eating everything freezing cold! Haha I know - so many problems!