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• Bistro Chopstix

The artfully presented sweet and spicy chicken ($8.95), served with sticky rice and vegetables, was too pretty to eat - almost. (Michelle Pemberton for The Star)

Chicken Terriyaki Bento Box $8.95 from Bistro Chopstix, 251 N. Illinois Street. (Michelle Pemberton for The Star)

A look inside Bistro Chopstix, 251 N. Illinois Street. (Michelle Pemberton for The Star)

A quick hop, skip and jump from our office chairs, and Ben and I were seated at Bistro Chopstix in Downtown Indy.

This upscale Asian eatery, at least compared to what we're used to, was a fantastic change of scenery.

We were able to dine in a pleasant, inviting atmosphere, and receive outstanding service and unbelievable cuisine on our tiny budget.

The mood

Entering from New York Street, Ben and I were greeted with a massive (by scrunched Downtown standards) open space.

Paper lanterns hung from the two-story ceiling. Steps led up to a loft dining area.

We were seated at a table on the first floor. At the end of our table, a bookshelf, built into the staircase, provided entertainment as we waited for our food. We leafed through Japanese art books and magazines and wondered why American fashion is so far behind.

At the other entrance, a glass counter temptingly displays the fresh fish choices for the day in front of bar-style seating, where -- during our visit -- a lone diner consumed his sushi and tea lunch.

The food

Heading into our quest, I assumed sushi was off limits, solely due to price. And while we didn't order any, Chopstix offers very affordable options. A six-piece California roll along with five pieces of assorted nigiri, including red snapper and crab, is $9.95. Not a bad deal, if you ask moi.

Ben and I forwent ocean dwellers in exchange for the fine-feathered variety.

Ben chose the sweet and spicy chicken from the "Big Dishes" menu ($8.95). I went for the teriyaki chicken bento box ($8.95).

Our lunch arrived swiftly, via an adorable and accommodating server who seemed to be running the floor solo.

The stark white plate for Ben's entree stood in contrast to the bright colors of the chicken, which was served with a generous scoop of sticky white rice. The slightly sweet, but tangy and subtly spicy chicken was juicy and satisfying.

My lunch was easily the prettiest thing I've eaten on our adventures. The bento box (Japanese lunch box) was segmented, with each section containing something new to try and/or mix with another neighboring food.

To start, a potentially bland salad-in-a-bag was spiced up with a tart, orange-colored ginger dressing.

Two fried pot stickers snuggled in a cubby with sweet chili sauce. My chicken, smothered in teriyaki sauce, and a snowball of rice took up two more.

The vegetable of the day was a mix of cucumbers, mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

The dish was wonderfully presented.

The drinks

Two waters. Chopstix also offers a wide variety of teas to choose from.

The damage: $19.33

Lunchtime delights such as Bistro Chopstix usually take a bigger chunk of change, and a bigger chunk of space in my stomach.

While we were full, the fresh and healthfully prepared meal kept us guilt-free, and so did the price tag.