Eating Out > Takamaru, formerly known as Mishima

How cool is this Japanese bento lunch box for kids?

This Valentine's Day, my little man and I treated my grandmother to a family favorite - the restaurant formerly known as Mishima. My grandmother especially likes the mugicha (iced roasted barley tea) here and was happy that they still had it. Thankfully, the menu seemed to be the same and we ordered a couple of bento lunches with salmon and cod. Both were satisfying with a variety of sides, including shrimp and vegetable tempura, California rolls, miso soup, and salad.

How did Chase enjoy his lunch? At 15 months, he's become quite the little foodie. He'll try anything you give him without fuss which is great. But you know right away if he doesn't like something - it comes right back out.

Guess what's in my mouth!

So when his space shuttle bento lunch box was placed in front of him, he went straight for the fruit. The verdict? Well, he didn't like the melon balls but ate the kiwi and berry. He also devoured all his rice (and then some of mine), a bit of avocado, the insides of a couple of fried chicken karaage, and all of my tofu in my miso soup. Sadly, the potato salad was not a hit.

My grandmother and I laughed when he tried to stuff the entire strawberry into his mouth. (Somehow, the above photo I snapped of him makes me want to sing, "Mahna Mahna!" from The Muppets.)

A Surprise Valentine from Kennya!

Our Valentine's Day celebrations continued as we went to a nearby park in the afternoon. While running around, Chase was approached by a young boy who gave him a Valentine's goodie bag from his little sister - which was super cute! The boy was sitting with his mom and younger sister on a picnic blanket, eating an after school snack. The two children laughed as Chase smiled back at them and waved. Unfortunately, he's still too little for the candies and some of the other goodies in the bag, but the warm gesture by these strangers is something I'll remember for a long time.

May every day be like Valentine's Day - full of love, laughter and kindness!

Takamaru
street: 8474 West 3rd Street #108 | Los Angeles, CA 90048
tel: 1.323.782.0181

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