Lunch Reimagined

LUNCH REIMAGINED

Words by Dakota Jacobi | Photos by Topograph

Ifyou were one of the lucky kids in the cafeteria during elementary school, you'd probably open up your lunchbox a time or two to see that infamous yellow wrapper and the words “Lunchable.” Fast forward to lunchtime today, when feeding your inner child is reimagined with bento-style containers. “Bento” is the Japanese iteration of a convenient single-portion take-out or home-packed meal. But make no mistake—bentos may be inventions of convenience for the recipient, but they're often a labor of love for the maker. Here are a few of our own personal favorites to please every member of the family.

FOR THE KIDS

Mix It Up: Pb&J sandwich + apples + carrots + ranch dip

How We Roll: Turkey & cheese roll up + grapes + cashews + goldfish crackers

Breakfast Box: Mini pancakes & pure maple syrup + granola + blueberries + go-gurt + hard boiled egg

The Lunchable: Ham + cheese + crackers + strawberries + cookie

Open-Faced Pie: Flatbread + pizza sauce + mozzarella cheese + pepperoni + olives

FOR THE ADULTS

Bagel Box: Bagel crisp chips + dill cream cheese + smoked salmon + pistachios

The Classic: Turkey + cheese + pretzels + strawberries + blueberries

The Mediterranean: Hummus + kalamata olives + tomatoes + pita chips

Veggie Lover: Dill yogurt dip + carrots + peppers + cucumber + hard boiled egg

Asian Roots: Teriyaki chicken + white rice + edamame + seaweed chips