Photo Credit: NYtimes.com

Ok. This is a total foodie type date night, but I couldn’t resist. These Bento boxes are amazing! And there is no limit to the themes you could try, except your budget, of course. We are very aware of budget limitations these days, but this won’t stop us from dreaming up great date ideas. So here we go…

What is a Bento Box?

I’m glad you asked. The formal definition is:

Although the Japanese invented the Bento Box, you don’t have to limit yourself to only Japanese food. But if you like sushi–this is the perfect food in the perfect size.

A picture speaks a thousand words…

so we’re going to let the following help you dream of the possibilities.

Once you’ve decided on what you want to do here are some simple steps to make your date night one you’ll both remember:

• Print some Japanese writing paper. This is square graph paper used in learning to write Japanese. You could use simple graph paper too.
• Write your spouse an invitation to a romantic picnic using this paper. But instead of writing horizontally, write your message vertically the way the Japanese do. If you know Japanese–that’s a bonus. Otherwise, just write your message in English.
• Make sure you have chopsticks. 🙂
• Go to one of your favorite parks with a blanket and some nice pillows for sitting on the ground.
• Add a citronella candle for lighting and to help ward off the bugs.
• Have fun eating your Bento Box together–and don’t forget your camera!

Here are some recipes for preparing your own Bento Box.

And here are the simple rules for creating proper Japanese Bentos:

Like many other Japanese arts bento making has its own set of guidelines. Traditional bentos follow a couple of basic rules.

The 4-3-2-1 rule: 4 parts rice, 3 parts protein, 2 parts vegetable, and 1 part “treat” (Usually either pickled vegetables or something sweet.)

Sushi should be prepared with more wasabi than usual.

Pack foods with flavors that might run or stick together with a divider. Separate wet foods from dry using a nested or altogether separate container such as a cupcake form. Sauces and dressings go in their own bottles (usually with a lid or cap).

Oily foods (like gyoza) should be packaged on top of an absorbent material.

Bentos should not require refrigeration or heating.

Above all else your bento should be equally as nice to look at as nice to eat! (Note that this is the only rule that is not optional! 🙂

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Crafting-a-Bento/