Bento Boxes Come to East Cesar Chavez With New Stand

Bento Picnic, the bento box and bowl service, opened a new stand which will offer made-to-order meals just outside of its prep kitchen on East Cesar Chavez. This means customers can place their orders and either take ‘em to go or dine in the picnic area. Prices range between $8 to $10.

Joining the Bento team is chef Alexis Chong, formerly of Sway and Foreign & Domestic, who will work along with chef/owner Leanne Valenti, who founded the business in 2014. The Japanese-style meals are made in the washoku spirit, where five core cooking preparations — pickling, grilling, steaming, baking, and raw — and five food colors are all represented.

Previously, Bento Picnic customers would order boxes online, and either get the meals delivered or pick-up at Austin Bouldering Project and Irie Bean Coffee Bar. Bento’s new stand is open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There’s an opening party on Saturday, June 24 with free beer, snacks, and games from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

— Emma Whalen

• Bento Picnic [Official]