Archive for February, 2009

USB bento warming bag

Here’s an ingenious specialized contraption from gadget-crazy, bento-friendly Japan. It’s a USB-powered bento warmer bag from Thanko Co. that plugs right into the USB port on your desktop computer and warms your bento lunch to 60 degrees C (140 deg. F). I could see this as being handy for people working in offices without a proper kitchen, or who use pack lunches in metal containers that can’t go into the microwave. It’s a little disappointing that it won’t work with laptop computers due to power requirements, though.

A Thanko staff member developed this when he wanted to heat up the bento lunches that his wife made him. The company already made a line of USB gadgets, so coming up with a USB-powered bento warmer was a natural solution.

The bag opens wide to accommodate even large bento boxes.
There are two heaters inside the bag, incorporated into the top and bottom.
The webpage says it can heat up bento lunches bought in convenience stores as well as homemade bento lunches.
Due to power requirements, this can only be used from a desktop computer, and not from laptop computers, AC chargers, or some USB hubs.
Price in Japan: 1,980 yen (approx. US$21.50)
Dimensions: 140 x 200 x 90mm (5.5″ x 7.9″ x 3.5″) (W x D x H)
Handle: 170mm (6.7 inches)
Weight: 175g (6.2 oz)
USB cable length: 125cm (4 feet 1 inch) (Can you tell that I used to translate consumer electronics specifications as part of my job in Japan?) (Read on for information on availability.)

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Published by Biggie on February 14th, 2009 tagged equipment, review | 18 Comments »

Daiso online store & Valentine bento contest

1. Daiso Launches Wholesaler Discount Program

Japanese discount store Daiso has launched a new discount program for wholesalers, resellers, and bulk orders. They’ve put their inventory up on on a new online store with bulk pricing; evidently if you are accepted into their discount program and login to your account, the prices will reflect the discount. I’d be curious as to how deep the discount is, as the prices they have up now are definitely higher than the US$1.50 per item I’m used to seeing in stores. (Shipping within the continental U.S. only.)

This move makes Daiso more competitive with smaller discount store Ichiban Kan, which already has an online store in the U.S. (correction: no wholesale program). Both companies have a good selection of cheap bento gear and household items, and Ichiban Kan recently announced that it will soon be expanding its shipping areas to include Alaska, Hawaii, and a “few selected countries” internationally. It’s interesting that Daiso’s online store only handles bulk orders, though; I suppose it’s more profitable to only deal in larger quantities. My hope is that retailers and resellers in the U.S. will take advantage of this opportunity to stock cheap bento gear, making it more widely available. (DISCLAIMER: I’m not affiliated with either store.)

2. Bento of the Month Contest: My Valentine

Congratulations go to bentolunches, the winner of the first Bento of the Month contest on the Lunch in a Box Forum. Readers voted hers the best representative of the “Speed” theme, and she will receive a copy of the cookbook Authentic Japanese Cuisine for Beginners courtesy of the Not Exactly Bento blog. Thanks to everyone who took the time to post your speedy bento lunches; it was interesting to read through all the entries and see your speed packing techniques.

The theme of this month’s contest is “My Valentine”, so make your Valentine-themed packed lunch, post a photo and any details to the February contest thread on the Lunch in a Box forum by Monday, February 23, 2009. Moderator QChan will compile all of the entries into a poll, and forum members can vote for their favorite.

The winner will receive the new green “Putifresh” bento set shown below, compliments of forum member Lethargic. The set includes a two-tier bento box, matching bento belt, matching insulated carrying bag, and matching chopsticks with case. Thanks Lethargic! (Donations of bento-related prizes and shipping to future winners are welcome; just e-mail me at lunchinabox [AT} gmail {DOT] com). (Read on for contest details and a photo of the February contest prize.)

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Published by Biggie on February 10th, 2009 tagged giveaway, shopping | 2 Comments »

Speed tip: Keep acidulated water for sliced fruit

One of my basic tips for preventing cut fruit from browning is to dip the fruit in acidulated water right before packing. This will slow the browning process, not halt it. This is great, but mixing up sweetened lemon water to my taste takes a minute or two in the morning that I’ve been looking to cut. Yes, I’m really that lazy! So I found a shortcut that works for me and cuts my morning prep time by a couple of minutes… (Read on for details, a link to vote in the Speed Bento Contest, and a bento comic!)

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