Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Garlic Shrimp Bento and EasyLunchBoxes Review


Garlic Shrimp Bento, originally uploaded by sherimiya ♥.
Today's bento is packed in a box you haven't seen me use before: it's part of the Easy Lunch Box System, which includes four BPA-free plastic boxes like this one, four different color lids, and a zippered cooler bag. When Kelly Lester contacted me to test and review these portable, reusable (bento-type) boxes, I was happy to do so. So here goes:

For the inaugural bento I packed garlic shrimp (pan-fried in olive oil and garlic, then sprinkled with parsley) in a green lettuce leaf. I like using lettuce as a natural divider (baran) because it's edible and healthy, and it looks so fresh and pretty. In this bento, it keeps the shrimp separate from the cherry tomatoes and the three colors of sweet potato (regular orange, Japanese white [satsumaimo], and Okinawan purple). I also added a spinach log wrapped in turkey, and finished the decoration with pink carrot and purple carrot flowers. All this food fit nicely in the main compartment of the box; in fact, if I had a complaint it would be that the box is a bit on the large side. I think the main section may be sized to accomodate a sandwich. Since I have been used to packing my kids' lunches in a typical bento box, I wasn't sure how the loose packing would work. I tried to fill in the gaps as best I could to minimize movement (and possible spillage). The other two sections were easy to fill, and in fact they may have fit less of the fruit than I usually pack, somehow. Grapes in the smallest section and yogurt plus fresh berries and sliced almonds filled out the box. After everything was packed, I put the lid on, and discovered that the lid had a concave quality that served to pack down the food a bit. The hard plastic is quite sturdy and seems like it will hold up well to washing and reusing without cracking or breaking. The lid is easy to remove, and doesn't have the suction quality that flexible (Tupperware-style) plastic lids have. I was afraid it might come off during transport, but actually it stayed on quite well. Be aware that they are not leakproof, so it's best to avoid liquids and foods with sauces and gravies. The set comes with 4 separate boxes and lids, so that you could conceivably pack lunches for several family members at a time. They stack on top of each other nicely. I packed this one in the included bag, and placed his stainless steel thermos on top. They both fit perfectly.
All in all, I would say that the Easy Lunch Box System is a very convenient and versatile lunchpacking system, and handy for parents needing to pack more than one lunch a day. It's also a great system for picnics and field trips. The divided sections are my favorite feature: they act as timesavers (no need to figure out dividers), and help with portion control. It's easy for kids to open and close, and the cooler bag makes a perfect carrier. It's appropriate for boys, girls, or adults -- the whole family! And as an alternative to a wasteful brown bag / ziploc bag lunch, it's ideal!

12 comments:

  1. Hm, a great solution to a family style picnic, outing or vacation. I was a little surprised to hear it's not leak proof but am loving that it's stackable. Is it available for purchase in Canada as well? Sheri, beautifully presented meal as usual. I love the freshness and variety you've got here. Something for every taste bud..

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  2. Nicely styled and filled with your usual healthy and beautiful foods. Thanks for the detailed review. Good to know.

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  3. Thanks Chantale; they do ship to Canada. The leakproof thing surprised me too, but the berry-topped yogurt stayed put just fine.

    Thanks Debra!

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  4. Nicely pack in that box! And nice review too Sheri ... Everytime I buy bento box, I always test the lid first and sometimes ask my kids to open it just to see whether it will be too hard to open it or to loose :)

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  5. Hi Lia,
    That's a good idea for kids who'll be taking their lunch to school. Don't want the whole thing to end up on the floor! Thanks :D

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  6. Wonderful bento and great review! I've been meaning to try that out!

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  7. Looks amazing and awesome review. I love our ELB's :)

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  8. A very informative review, and even more fun, another vivid, pretty, healthy bento so muse over...yogurt/berries/almonds--yum!!

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  9. I am so inspired by all of your bentos! I just received *my* easylunchboxes in the mail today! I did not order the bag though, they will fit in my kids existing lunch boxes. Of course they have no school tomorrow and here I am all excited to use them! They maybe getting special bento lunches anyway :)

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  10. Congrats Kim! I know what you mean. I get excited by new lunchboxes too. Have fun! And, thanks a lot!

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