Chicago Food Review: Tokyo Lunch Boxes & Catering

First Thoughts: Being adventurous definitely has its perks.

There are times I find myself really hating life here in Chicago -- my usual complaints having to do with money, and not knowing anybody -- but on the upside, there are also times I find myself absolutely loving everything to do with this big and challenging city.

I love the food here, the people (for the most part), and the fact that I don't have to have a car. I love the different festivals, and outdoor shopping  markets(Christkindlmarkt and Farmer's Market) during the seasons. And I LOVE that you can get completely turned around, walk a few blocks, pop out someplace familiar, and manage to find or see something that you never have before.

Today, I had that exact experience, while on my way to the library.  

Now, for anybody who really knows me, you'll note that I frequent the Chicago Public Library on a regular basis. Like a ghost, I wander in and around the thousands of tomes, only to disappear and then reappear a few days later. With such consistency, one would think that I would know how to get to-and-from the place with relative ease, nicht wahr?

Jawohl, ich auch.

Stepping out on the Washington Blue Line stop wasn't what I was supposed to do. I knew this because I had made that exact mistake, once before. (sigh)
I can only assume that whatever compelled me to get off at the wrong stop for a second time was working with some higher, more adventurous power, because as soon as I got up to the street, I cursed, completely aware that I was no where near my usual stop. Na ja, kein Problem, I thought. I'll just walk around and find my way there, eventually.

Well, I didn't find the library right away, but I did find a whole street filled with hole-in-the-wall type eating establishments! A discovery of discoveries! Food, alongside books and anything German-related, is like, my instant best friend.

Which now leads into my review of Tokyo Lunch Boxes & Catering.

At first glance, it doesn't look like much. It is "hole-in-the-wall", after all. However, making up for its rather simple, and quick-eatery style decor, are the prices and quality of their food.

The sushi, as you can expect, is about six to seven dollars depending on which roll you choose. While I love sushi, and have a hard time passing it by, I know that one roll typically doesn't fill me up. I'd have to order two, or three. Gasp! Three rolls?

Ja. I told you, I like food. Calories, too, apparently.

Now, unfortunately, I'm not rich, and if you're like me -- super cheap, and looking to get the most for your dollar -- you'll know to fore go the sushi and pick something like udon, or the tempura dishes. Both were only five dollars.

For whatever reason, though, I was craving the crispness of a salad. Lucky for me, they had a few types, and the one that struck my fancy had a variety of sashimi on top. Tuna, spicy tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and shrimp. All arranged neatly on a pile of greens and white rice.

The price you ask? Affordable. Under ten dollars. And it was delicious!

Overall, I would give this place another go. I enjoyed the friendly service, the freshness of the food, and the affordability of it all. There are several locations throughout Chicago, and apparently its supposed to be a chain, but it doesn't look, or act, like it at all.

With all that said, if any of you are planning to come into town, but just can't afford plunking down fifty dollars on dinner, let me know! I'd love to take you out. I'm getting pretty good at finding cheap food joints.

Bis dann! Tschüss

Check out Tokyo Lunch Boxes & Catering at: tokyolunchboxncatering.com