Chew on This	The Asian Invasion by Judy Sperry & Geoff Kelly

A cornucopia of Asian lunch spots, plus more food news you can use

It’s never too late to be adventurous in your eating habits, especially during your lunch break, and If you’re searching for tasty lunch venues that won’t bust your budget (or your belt buckle), you’re in luck.

Tired of subs and salads? Neither of these is precisely new, but consider Papaya (118 W. Chippewa Street, 856-2444) and Kuni’s (226 Lexington Avenue, 881-3800). Both serve well-balanced bento boxes. For $8-$11, these compartmentalized compilations contain lean proteins and vegetables. Papaya’s bento box features Korean beef barbecue, kimchee, brown or white rice, and mixed field greens tossed with a delicious miso-ginger dressing. If you’re a fan of Papaya’s Southeast Asian fare, you’ll be pleased to know that the takeout or dine-in lunch menu is a reasonably priced, scaled-down version of the dinner menu.

Seafood aficionados will appreciate Kuni’s bento boxes, boasting succulent shrimp and scallops or teriyaki salmon. You’ll love sampling each course, from Kuni’s daily vegetable to his California maki roll. Kuni has added some chairs and tables, too, so his food is no loger strictly takeout.

Sushi is all the rage in Buffalo right now. Newcomers on the scene this summer are Wasabi (752 Elmwood Avenue, 887-8388) and SeaBar (475 Ellicott Street, 332-2928). You’ll love dining al fresco at one of Wasabi’s sidewalk tables on Elmwood. Traditional starters include edamame, miso soup, and seaweed, or you can try Wasabi’s signature salad—a delicious display of brisk romaine lettuce and mixed field greens with generous slices of big eye tuna cooked tataki-style. Warm dishes constitute chicken yakitori (grilled chicken on skewers), teriyaki beef wraps, and steamed or pan-fried dumplings (i.e. shu mai and gyoza). You will especially enjoy Wasabi’s colorful rolls enveloping raw and cooked seafood, crunchy vegetables, tempura batter flakes, and sweet and spicy sauces. On our last visit, Wasabi had not yet received its liquor license, but the staff is happy to open your bottle of wine and keep it cool for you in the kitchen.

SeaBar’s new location resides in the retail hub of the Ellicott Lofts. Fresh Atlantic salmon, ahi tuna, and ebi (shrimp) are offered daily, whether you order nigiri ($2.95/piece) or maki ($6-$10). Composed plates ($6-$12) include seafood tacos, pork spring rolls, and chilled sesame noodles. Specials range from crab cakes to raw oysters.

In Amherst, Kyoto Japanese Restaurant is now open (4040 Maple Road, 836-6688). Specializing in bento boxes, signature rolls, and sushi a la carte, this spacious venue is perfect for business lunches, family dinners, and large parties. Lunch specials include chicken, salmon, or beef teriyaki served with miso soup and rice ($7-$9). Udon and soba noodle soups can be ordered with shrimp and vegetable tempura. Surf and turf lovers will appreciate the filet mignon an lobster from the Emperor’s Dinner. There are plenty of options to choose from so come with an appetite.

New this very month in Amherst is Ichiban Sushi Bar & Steak House (3192 Sheridan Drive, 833-1605), which also offers bento boxes ($8) and other lunch specials, including hibachi lunches: grilled vegetables, meats, or fish served with soup, salad, a vegetable, and fried rice or noodles ($6-$12). On our last visit, Ichiban was still waiting for its liquor license, so if you plan to go for dinner, bring your own.

If you prefer organic to conventional, you’ll be pleased to know that O3 Café is now open (4446 Main Street, 204-0031). Located next to Everything Elmwood in Snyder, 95 percent organics are incorporated into the chef’s lunch menu, which features a litany of soups, salads, wraps, and panini.

Canned goods, trans-fatty acids, and processed foods are banned from O3’s Cali-style kitchen. Three daily soups are offered, composed of homemade consommés, beans, and greens ($3.95/cup, $4.95/bowl). Salad lovers will appreciate the variety of leafy greens they can choose from tossed with seasonal veggies, roasted beets, gourmet cheeses, dried fruits, spicy pecans ($8.50). If you crave a little protein in your salad, organic roasted turkey and grilled free-range chicken are available ($3 extra). O3’s wraps and panini boast tasty accoutrements and flavorful fillers. An egg salad wrap will cost you $8.95. If the summer heat suppresses your appetite, try a fresh fruit smoothie from the raw juice bar. Wheat grass and organic coffees and teas are also available.

If you don’t have time to head out to the ’burbs, bring your appetite and head to the Comfort Zone (1002 Elmwood Avenue, 881-1057). Free WiFi is available along with a wide selection of frozen drinks and six varieties of Fair Trade coffee. It’s a great place to do business on your laptop and grab a simple cup of soup or a toasty panini.

Tabree (423 Elmwood Avenue, 844-8477) finally has opened its doors to eagerly awaiting foodies. The summer menu mainly features classic bistro fare like moules du jour, foie gras, croque monsieur, and steak au poivre with pommes frites. If you love to dine under the star-lit night sky, book a reservation for the patio.

Buffalo’s newest café, patisserie, and chocolaterie, Chow Chocolate, has its grand opening on Friday, July 25, 7am-10pm (731 Main Street, 843-4488). The staff will offer complimentary coffee and chocolate samples throughout the day to walk-ins and regulars. If you happen to stop by the café before breakfast, order a croissant and a latte. Whatever time you stop by, be sure to sample a gourmet bonbon and listen to Casperous Vine perform later that evening.

If you’re looking for something extra sweet this summer, visit Stuffed Chocolate.com. Owners Bill and Bonnie Stefanie started their online chocolate company from their Snyder factory/home. All of their white, dark, orange, and milk chocolates are imported from Belgium. If you’re not in the market for creamy, European-style truffles, try their Rochér, macaroons, gnaches, and various chocolate creations enrobed with coconut, caramel, cookies, dried fruits, and nuts. Every candy is handmade and packaged. Stuffed Chocolate’s beautifully boxed creations are ideal for every occasion.

Finally, here’s some future food for thought: The Falafel Bar’s new location on Allent Street looks like it’s a hair’s breadth from opening—you can count it in days and weeks. And The Wine Thief, at Elmwood and Bryant where Solid Grounds once resided, is coming soon as well; with Tabree, Aroma, Toro, Bistro Europa, Mythos, and Mode (to say nothing of Louie’s), that stretch of Elmwood will boast an impressive lineup of eateries.

Meanwhile, from time to time we’ve seen folks working on the patio at the long-defunct Rendezvous on Niagara Street. And the tarp covering the front window of the even longer-defunct The Place on Lexington recently came down. Dare we hope? Could it be? Stay tuned.

—judy sperry, geoff kelly