Portabella Mushroom Sandwich Bento
Our local farmers’ markets have inspired me to try some new things for lunch. Today’s bento is a sandwich featuring portabella mushroom with melted cheese!
I simmered the large portabella mushroom cap in a light tamari, mirin, garlic mixture, then melted some Beecher’s Flagship cheese on top of that. Then wrapped it up in a giant butter lettuce leaf before placing between the slices. No other condiments neccessary! Very tasty and moist.
Like in a previous sandwich bento, I split and placed each half in seperate tiers along with it’s own “sides”.
As with the mushroom, these “sides” where also collected from the farmers’ market: Rainier cherries, tomatoes, blackberries, apricots, cheddar, cukes, basil…hey, come to think of it, it’s all from the market except the bread! Well, the Beecher’s cheese (inside the sandwich) is technically from a shop at the market… but it’s hand-made right there in the building, so I’ll count it as market food. 
Come to think of it…(smacks myself) there are many bread vendors at the market too, I need to get some fresh baked bread on my next visit.
I love the idea of creating bento box lunches using bread. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual fare and it gives me a chance to experiment with sandwich fillings and packing technique.
Speaking of bread, if you haven’t visited Bento Summer School yet, I recommend that you to take look, especially anyone wishing to start packing bento box lunches for their kid’s this fall. The current lesson features Susan Yuen’s remarkable bread bentos.
I’m liking the sandwich bento concept for Saba Man as he is very busy of late and likes ”grabbing a bite!” So with that, I’ll be posting some quick sandwich ideas for my own “back to school” bento series!
Loves these sandwiches! Have you been to the new Georgetown Farmers Market? I went while on a visit to see my family in WA and we had a blast. I think it is on Saturday mornings. They had some really beautiful purple radishes and a crazy good salad mix. Yay for farmers markets!
Hi Sonoma Bento! Thanks for the Georgetown farmers market tip! I gotta go there!
Pretty sandwich bento! I love this box and have yet to use mine..
Hi sheri, Thanks! I love this box too. It’s roomier than it appears and holds enough food for a grown-up guy like Saba Man!
I love the way this bento looks, and I love that you went meatless in there by not using a meat substitute, but a real veggie instead! I have a question for you, since you visit the farmers market, are the prices there different than those you find at a regular supermarket? I have read many articles and other blogs that support the idea that farmer’s fruits and veggies are more fresher and possibly more nutritious, but nothing on whether the cost is different too. Thanks for answering my question in advance!
Hi Lynn, Thank you for your sweet comments.
In my opinion, not all prices are lower at the market but you can find good deals when there’s overflow of crops.
It’s not the main reason though as I do like shopping the market to support the local economy and farmers. And buying locally grown crops shrinks my carbon footprint just a little bit. It’s my “contribution” to the earth. I do find the produce fresher and there are more organic options. Most of all…it’s fun to be out in the fresh air and talk to the actual growers of the food I feed my family.
It’s a long answer…hope it helps your question.
So beautifully arranged! Love the angle of the picture, really capture everything inside the box
Hi Lia, Thanks. Coming from a pro-photographer like you….I’m flattered!
Oh! I loves these bentos! So neat and so yummy looking!
Hi Angeleyes, thank you for your nice comments as usual!
never work with portabella mushroom before, thanks for the inspiration!
healthy!~
portobella sandwiches are one of my faves! they’re so earthy and juicy and meaty, but without being meat of course
the cucumber fans and juicy fruits here are beautiful!
Lovely, local seasonal bento–elegant as ever!
Mushroom & cheese – great combination!
I love sandwich bentos!!! SO quick and easy, and no cooking involved.
Thanks for the mention too!
That looks really fresh and delicious!
Hi Julie! Thanks a bunch!