As the title of this post might suggest, this is a little series I am starting called "bentos in parks." Since the weather is so beautiful today, I thought I'd go ahead and start. Columbus has a lots of great parks, and I would like to highlight some of them while still talking about food. Today's bento came from Tensuke, and today's park was North Bank Park, which is located just west of downtown at 311 W. Long St. This is one of our great urban parks, within easy walking distance from many downtown office buildings, and it would even be a nice walk from the North Market. I wouldn't necessarily recommend getting your bento from Tensuke and driving all the way to North Bank, it's just how my day was.
About the Bento: Tensuke's "Traditional Japanese Bento" $6.95, will easily feed me for lunch and dinner. Contains rice with salted salmon, teriyaki pork, tempura shrimp and squash, some panko-crusted fried mackerel, two tiny little hot dogs, some tomago, edamame, and shredded cabbage. Dotted with pickled veggies. Very tasty and good for you, too.
About the park: North Bank sits right on the water, so you can sit and watch the geese swim by. It's quiet and peaceful with the ambient noises of the city surrounding you. There is train trestle nearby, and two trains went past while I was enjoying lunch.
Tables? yes. There are many tables and benches.
Place where I can walk off lunch? Yes, there are lots of trails being used by runners and walkers alike. The trails connect to the Scioto trails and go all the way to Bicentennial park on the south edge of downtown.
What if I want to kayak? Yes, you can even go kayaking there; in fact, a man was kayaking while I was there. Now I want a kayak.
How's the view? See for yourself:
