Riceselect Risotto Arborio Rice (36 oz.)
Item Purchased: Riceselect Risotto Arborio Rice (36 oz.)
Location Purchased: Dominick’s / 3145 S. Ashland / Chicago, IL
Price: $4.99 + tax
Purchased on: 02/03/08
Review: How hard is it to find Arborio rice in Bridgeport? It’s as hard as finding an interesting conversation in a Lincoln Park bar, that’s how hard. This slightly overpriced Riceselect brand is the only Arborio rice I could find in a two mile radius (please don’ make me go to the beautiful, but out-of-my-budget Whole Foods on Roosevelt Rd. just for rice!). I know most people would just buy the standard medium or long grained rice for $0.89 a bag, but then most people’s risotto would turn out dry and somewhat burnt.
Riceselect’s Arborio rice (which states that it is for risotto, though I’ll probably turn rebel and use it for stir fry some wild night when I’m feeling crazy… find me at John Barleycorn, and I’ll tell you all about it) is sufficiently glutinous and starchy which allows the wine, broth and vegetables you choose to cook it with to soak in fully. Don’t, however, expect this rice to taste very good with a pad of butter on top. There’s no natural nuttiness or any other flavor here. This rice is all about what you put into it, and it’s very good at giving what it gets. As I’ve mentioned in previous reviews, Riceselect’s plastic containers are a great reusable kitchen jar, too. Don’t you dare let me catch you throwing that thing out!
I’d be open to other suggestions for good Arborio rice in the Chicago area, though!
Rating: 3.75 / 5
February 27th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Heck ya, I love those jars too. Nice wide mouth. I’m ashamed to admit I have enough free time to decoupage them Damn you Martha Stewart, damn you!