Jay Eats Worldwide

Happy Mother's Day! As you've read in previous posts, I'm a fan of Bento Man's Japanese fried chicken bento and made it to my "Japanese Lunch Specials in LA" post. I happened to be in the area again and stopped in to try the "Salmon Bento." Salmon Bento The salmon was well cooked with a nice crust and perfectly seasoned. I really wasn't a fan of the other "fried" accompaniments, trust me I loved fried... Fried tofu, fried piece of chicken, and tempura shrimp was a bit much, especially if you are trying to eat healthy by ordering the salmon. Although I'm Japanese American, I still have a hard time eating the root vegetables prepared the traditional way. It's too old skool for me and usually what I avoid in bento boxes. Other than that, everything is well prepared and a deal at $7.25. On the other hand, I really love Bento Man's "Karaage Chicken Bento", Japanese style fried chicken. Maybe this will be what I al...

Earlier this month, I posted "Japanese Lunch Specials in LA." One of the specials that I liked was from Bento Man on Western, just South of Pico, in LA. I said that I could get something similar at an Asian market for $6.99. Just happened to be looking for some noodles for a client to try and came across this Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) Bento for $6.99 at a major Japanese market in LA. Store Bought Bento $6.99 from the grab and go case You get 4 pieces of chicken, watery green beans, mini scoop of Japanese potato salad, broccoli, and hard steamed rice for $6.99. Bento Man $6.25 A la Minute (Prepared to Order) 6 pieces of chicken, a mini egg roll, Japanese sweet egg omelet, daikon salad, and steamed rice for $6.25. I think you know what my pick is... Bento Man 1500 South Western Avenue (Just South of Pico) Los Angeles, CA 90006 (323) 733-5316

We're living in a time where the economy doesn't allow for extravagant lunches right now, we're all looking for GOOD lunch bargains. This week, I visited two Japanese places that really have that old skool flavor, taste, and price. Karaage Chicken Bento Bento Man $6.25 Bento Man is a small takeout place with picnic tables. All the food is "a la minute" or cooked to order and that makes it better than those found at the Asian grocery store. It's a bit more American taste, probably why I like it so much, without being too traditional Japanese. It's also a bargain, I've purchased the same fried chicken bento at Mitsuwa for $6.99, not sure how long it had been sitting in the grab & go case. My only concern, with a name like Bento Man, the bento menu is small. Other items on the menu are ramen, udon, curry, and sushi rolls. But the bento is the real deal here. Bento Man 1500 S. Western Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90006 (323) 733-5316 They just changed ...