Consulate-General of Japan in Houston

On Saturday, February 23, 2013 the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston and the Japan-America Society of Houston co-hosted the 2nd Annual Houston Bento Contest Final Battle at H-E-B at Bunker Hill and I-10.  Bento, a home-packed Japanese lunch box, holds a special place in the hearts of many Japanese. The Japanese tradition of taking care to pack a loved one’s bento continues today and this event introduced wide-ranging appeals of Japanese food to various community groups in Houston.

Mrs. Noriko Komatsu Herring gave a brief lecture demonstrating bento-making tips and trick and touched on how traditional Japanese cuisine supports a healthy lifestyle.  Attendance greatly increased in the second year of the contest and all enjoyed onigiri, or rice-ball, making as the final activity of the day. Many showed their interest in participating in the contest again.

The following contestants competed at the bento-packing battle on the day of the event. Their bentos were chosen from many excellent submissions received by the Consulate and Ms. Colleen Feasel won the Bento-Box Champion.

Chris Cole:  Most Comical *not present at the Final Battle
Colleen Feasel: Most Traditional
Kenichi Kawazoe: Most Healthy
Sarah Nguyen (and Tea Lim Roh): Most Creative
Sayaka Stephens: Bento of the Month
Sara Stewart: Most Delicious
Link to the contestants preliminary and final bentos

Special thanks go to H-E-B’s Sushiya, Satake USA Incorporated, and Mr. Glen Gondo.

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---Kazari-giri (Decorative cut), -------------Colleen Feasel (left), Bento-Box Champion---------------