In the News
Austin’s Bento Picnic Showcases The Japanese Philosophy Of Washoku
Forbes, July 2022
Washoku, the Japanese philosophy of incorporating five colors, five tastes and five cooking techniques in every meal, is widely popular among traditional Japanese cuisine. It has yet to break into the U.S. with widespread popularity, but in Austin, Texas, Bento Picnic is popularizing the tradition… (read more)
Made In Austin, Inspired By Japan
Tribeza, July 2019
These eight must-haves keep Bento Picnic Chef Leanne Valenti in Balance…(read more)
The Art of Washoku
Edible Austin, January 2017
Did you know that the bento boxes served at sushi restaurants are just one of many types of bento traditionally offered in Japan? Their common characteristic isn’t the raw fish or the cute compartments they are served in, but the way they are packed. Every bento is created according to a deep cultural principle known as washoku—literally “harmony food”—the ancient practice of balancing five colors, five tastes and five elements in every meal…(read more)
Austin Food and Wine Festival Features Top-Rated Chefs and Restaurants
FOX 7 Austin, November 2022
Leanne Valenti joins Good Day Austin reporter Tierra Neubaum with a sneak peak of her Chef Showcase offering for the Austin Food and Wine Festival, an annual event which features food and drinks from renowned chefs and top-rated restaurants at Auditorium Shores…(watch news clip)
100 Restaurants Defining Austin Right Now
The Austin Chronicle, June 2019
What’s in a name? A picnic with any other spelling might only match the bright array of tastes and freshness of Leanne Valenti’s Japan-inspired joint, an Eastside delight with indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of grab-and-go meals at the ready…(read more)
Five a Day
EASTSide Magazine
Bento Picnic crafts modern, balanced meals in an ancient tradition. Much like its cultural facets, Japanese cuisine is traditionally governed by five elements: tree, water, fire, metal, and earth. All five are necessary to craft a tasteful meal…(read more)
Meet Net-Zero Hero Leanne Valenti
Austin Texas Office of Sustainability
Through creative and diligent management of their inventory, Bento Picnic manages to divert most of their food waste from the landfill. We spoke with Leanne about her commitment to Net-Zero, what her toughest challenges have been, and what advice she has for others looking to live Net-Zero…(read more)
Farmers Market Favorite Brings Healthy Bento Boxes to New East Austin Brick-and-Mortar
Culture Map, February 2018
Over the past few years, the East Austin dining scene has expanded to include everything from greasy burgers to upscale yakitori, but it hasn’t exactly been a hub for customers looking for a quick, healthy meal. Now thanks to local entrepreneur Leanne Valenti, that may soon change…(read more)