The Well Bento
Back in July of 2005, The Well Bento announced that it was closing after several years of operation. A little less than a month had passed before I discovered that the business was bought, and reopened, by a faithful customer and her fiancé.
The Well Bento is actually located in a very outdated, and well worn, two story walk-up that looks more like an apartment building than anything else. You'll know you've found them when you see this sign which is visible from the street as you're driving past.
In any case, once you've entered the parking lot, you'll notice Well Bento in the corner on the second floor. It's not much to look at, if you ask me.
As you step through the doorway, you'll notice the front counter and the open kitchen. Nowhere to sit, this is strictly take out. Notice the mural on the wall? That's a recent addition that brings some color to an otherwise, utilitarian space.
The menu is short, consisting of 7 different plate lunches, and a few sides. Half of the menu consists of vegetarian options -- the zen macrobiotic, tempeh, tofu or seitan. The other half of the menu is noted as "transitional" -- grilled chicken, salmon or steak and hamburger steak. In my opinion, even though the options seem a bit limiting, the menu offers something for everyone.
Since I had previously tried the vegetarian options (and loved them), this time, I opted for items from the transitional menu. Here is the grilled salmon (US$8.25).
The salmon is first seasoned with some olive oil and tamari sauce before being grilled to perfection. The salmon was served on top of some Lundberg brown rice that had been covered in what the menu said was tahini sauce. Looks like brown gravy, doesn't it? Tastes a little like it too, only not as rich. Garnished with some grilled/steamed vegetables, and served with a side of coleslaw and "healthy" macaroni salad, this made a satisfying lunch.
On another occasion, I decided to try a local favorite, the hamburger steak (US$7.50).
Here at Well Bento, you can have your hamburger steak prepared Louisiana style (with a homemade blend of Cajun seasonings), with Western BBQ sauce (which is a homemade maple barbecue sauce), or seasoned with tamari sauce. This time I chose the Western BBQ. The sauce gave a rich smokey, sweetness to the tender hamburger steak. The only downside was that the hamburger steak wasn't all that juicy -- probably because it wasn't too fatty or full of fillers.
The Well Bento offers diners healthy alternatives to the standard plate lunch and is a place that should not be missed. Keep in mind that the food here is cooked to order so be prepared to wait, sometimes in excess of 15 minutes. With nowhere to sit, this could make the wait time seem unusually long. It's recommended that you call ahead so that your plate lunch is ready upon your arrival. Since there are very few healthy plate lunch alternatives, I consider the Well Bento to be a bargain. Healthy, freshly prepared and delicious, what more can you ask for?
The Well Bento
2570 South Beretania Street Suite 204
Telephone: 808.941.5261
OOH!
That is nice to know that there are some healthy plate lunch options ;)
I hope the food is as good as it looks!
Posted by: clare eats | February 12, 2006 at 03:15 AM
I've only had the tempeh and seitan here but it's hamburger steak for me next time!
Posted by: Kathy | February 12, 2006 at 11:41 AM
Good looking bentos!! :D
Posted by: obachan | February 12, 2006 at 09:58 PM
we tried this place when the original owner was cooking, will have to try it again since management has changed, only thing is the parking in this area...
Posted by: Kat & Satoshi | February 13, 2006 at 03:03 AM
Hi Reid - I swear, that Hamburger Steak is calling my name!
Posted by: Kirk | February 13, 2006 at 07:20 PM
Hello old friend. Been a while .... Just dropping by to let u know I'm still alive. :o)
Posted by: FatMan Seoul | February 13, 2006 at 08:18 PM
hi reid, this post really brings back memories! as a kid, everytime my folks brought us to a japanese family restaurant, i would head straight for the wafu hamburger steak (and make the occasion detour to omu rice) thanks for sharing!
Posted by: J | February 13, 2006 at 09:57 PM
I am a closet macaroni salad lover, add mayo to macaroni and I am in heaven. Shhh..
Posted by: Gia | February 14, 2006 at 11:11 PM
That's a lot of hamburger steak!!! Well, for $7.50,which is $2.00 more than the normal, I guess that's about right. Real hamburger??? How was the taste, as it looks really good? The mac salad looks a little healthy with so little mayo.
Posted by: lance | February 15, 2006 at 09:21 AM
What a disappointment. We won't be back. It's not the same since Harris and his family are no longer in the kitchen. The quality of the steak is down. The carrots, potato and gobo have no taste. The cole slaw and macaroni salad are no longer made with the same care.
Posted by: Soos | February 18, 2006 at 11:41 PM
Hi Clare,
Though the food isn't as good as it once was, it still has many places beat. And to think, this is as healthy as any plate lunch is ever going to get.
Hi Kathy,
When I want to be really good, I'll have the zen macrobiotic. Otherwise, I usually have the grilled tofu with tamari sauce. This was my first time sampling the transitional menu and I enjoyed it immensely. I suggest you try it on your next trip back home.
Hi Obachan,
The food here is really good and healthy (and good looking) too!
Hi Kat & Satoshi,
I used to eat here when Harris was in the kitchen and I have to say that the food has changed slightly. Still, the food is good and I enjoy it. Hope you enjoy it as well.
Hi Kirk,
You'll die knowing that this is probably the healthiest hamburger steak you will ever eat. That sauce that looks like brown gravy is actually tahini. Would you even have guessed?
Hi FatMan,
Nice to hear from you! I hope you're doing well. I believe that I speak for everyone in saying that we miss having you around.
Hi J,
I haven't eaten Japanese hamburger steak in a while...thanks for reminding me! =)
BTW...I love omurice. Can't find on very many menus here anymore though. =(
Hi Gia,
I love macaroni salad as well. This one is supposed to be healthy, which explains the lack of mayo. Then again, whoever said they wanted "healthy" mac salad? Not me! =P
Hi Lance,
The hamburger steak here is really good. I had it with Western BBQ sauce, which made it better. The hamburger is a little dry, but still tender. I'm guessing it's because of the low fat content of the meat.
If you have a chance, you should try it at least once. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Hi Soos,
Welcome to my blog!
I have to agree that there has been some change in the quality since Harris moved out of the state. But, I do know that the food is still healthy and I find that for the most part, it still tastes good.
I'm sorry you no longer have the desire to visit Well Bento.
Posted by: Reid | February 21, 2006 at 12:19 AM
I hope all is well at "The Well Bento" Since I created it and worked it for 8 years all you guys out there should give them another chance. If not for them, for me.
Posted by: harris brazina | June 08, 2006 at 12:07 PM
The food was (under Harris), and in my opinion still is, one of the best places for eats on the island. It may be on the slightly pricier side, but given the wonderful combination of health and taste, you can't ask for a better meal!
Posted by: Brandon Yeh | July 17, 2007 at 10:08 PM