Alex Lau
Staff Photographer Emeritus
Alex Lau is the former staff photographer at Bon Appétit. Born and raised in New York City, Lau moved to San Francisco at the age of 12 until returning to the East Coast to attend Emmerson College in Boston, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Lau is currently represented by 2D Creative Artists. His clients include Boylston Trading Company, Nylon Guys, Esquire, and more. He has shot both food and travel photography for countless cookbooks—and he takes photographs of other things sometimes as well.
Vegetable Soup
The pasta will continue to absorb the broth as it sits, so use a small noodle like ditalini, stars, or alphabet shapes.
Banana-Oat Snack Cake
Loaded with oats and bananas, this is a great treat to have on hand after soccer or baseball practice.
Waffle with Cream Cheese and Smashed Berries
Use a frozen whole grain waffle, or freeze leftover homemade waffles between sheets of waxed paper.
Banana, Peanut Butter and Cornflakes
You can pack the peanut butter in a plastic pastry bag, but a resealable plastic bag works just as well.
Cheesy Chicken Meatball Sliders
Leftovers are the key to packing lunches easily—and this recipe is perfect for that. Plus it freezes well, too; if you freeze in small portioned containers, all you have to do is reheat and go.
Tomato Grilled-Cheese Soup
Try pouring the soup directly over the sliced sandwich for an irresistible cheesy bread soup.
Drumsticks and String Beans
Make a big batch of this crunchy oven-fried chicken on Sunday for easy packing during the week. A little grated cheese in the breadcrumbs is a welcome addition.
Brown Bread and Boiled Eggs
Use this boiled egg recipe to boil 'em in bulk at the beginning of the week. Make egg salad with the egg-stras!
Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Tacos
Separate compartments are key to packing this lunch. Switch up the fixings to keep it fresh: Salsa, guac, and sour cream are all good options.
Pisco Punch with Grilled Lemons
This goes down easy, and offers an oh-so-slight smoky taste.
Grilled Little Gem Salad with Pita Croutons
Yes—you can grill lettuce. And it’s worth it.
Grilled Lamb Kefta
Lamb and yogurt is a classic combination. You'll be scraping the plate with pita.
Grilled Zucchini and Ricotta Flatbread
The only way to make flatbread even better? Grill it.