Weekly dinner specials: Mount Vernon

Tuesday

Minato $12.95 bento box

Tuesday nights are normally a great night to find a food special. The problem is most of the specials aren't very special. Tuesdays are used for old fish, cheap tacos or the ubiquitous "two for Tuesday." It's a nice change of pace to find a special plate of food that both satisfies and keeps your wallet padded. In Japanese, minato means "port," so it's perfect that the one restaurant in the storm of regular food specials happens to share that same name.

For $12.95, get an unbelievably interesting meal that is commonplace to the people of Japan, the bento box. The modern bento became popular around the 16th century, and is used to compartmentalize different types of foods so they won't touch (great for people with OCD). At Minato, choose four food items from a list of more than 20. Spanning a variety of small Japanese food dishes, there is something for everyone on Minato's list. The fried items are as crispy and delicate as the vegetarian items are clean and refreshing. Some of the dishes come with side sauces to add to the variety of flavor combinations possible. And, if all of this food isn't enough, Minato serves a softball-sized bowl of rice to accompany your foray into Japanese culture. This is really a unique way to broaden your culinary horizons. We dare you to eat one bento box and not come back for more. This special is also offered on Sundays.