Simple Menus for the Bento Box

I agree with the other reviewers that this is not traditional (or even modern) Japanese bento. It certainly doesn't fit the mold of "Kawaii" bento box lunches of cuteness extreme. Those are covered in other fun bento books. 'Simple Menus' is a beautiful book--almost a coffee table book--of simple ideas to make a bento for one or two people. I've packed away other cookbooks, but never this one.

The book is beautifully photographed, and the menus are wonderful. The recipes are, for the most part, simple to follow. However, as the other reviewers have mentioned, this is not necessarily a Japanese cookbook, and the recipes are not of the sort I was looking for, meaning meals to be packed into a bento box and taken for lunch. I bought it via an online auction site for less than half the going price, including shipping, and I feel that it is definitely worth that, but absolutely no more. One very nice part of the book, however, is that it groups foods together by menu, and gives you a good idea of what contrasts with, or works well with other foods. Very interesting. Enjoy!

Although I agree with the other reviewers in that this is indeed a beautifully photographed and organized book, (for which I give it the four stars), I wasn't aware until I purchased it that this is not a Japanese recipe book-its Western cuisine presented in an aesthetically Asian manner. However, it does give a good history of bento boxes and the recipes are simple and delicious. If you are looking for authentic Japanese bento recipes, I recommend _Japanese Meals on the Go: Bento Boxes_ by Naomi Kijima.

What a wonderful cookbook. The recipes are simple and relatively quick to prepare. The artful photography, so excellently done by Wayne Nish, makes it easy for the user to duplicate the elegent presentation. Whether a romantic dinner for two or intimate dinner for four, use this cookbook for those special occassions. If you're a novice, try this one out when preparing for that special someone. Cooking such beautiful and delicious food doesn't get more easy than this! It is sure to impress.Suggestion to the authors, next time add a few helpful hints along the way. The soft-shell crab batter was a little watery to really create the crisp batter. Adding ingredients slowly (club soda) with the instruction on the correct consistency would have been helpful.By the way, leave it out on the coffee table. It is beautiful to look through and you won't forget how simple and fun it is to use!

This is the first cookbook in a long time that has sent me straight to the kitchen to start trying recipes. Am actually working my way right through the book trying every one! The authors have presented a beautiful, innovative book with very simple recipes of fresh healthful ingredients that are exciting to create and a joy to present to guests.