Wow. Now that's a mark-up

[elfs]

Wow, that's a markup.

I spotted this in my local grocer the other day, tucked in rack along with other "gourmet" rice varieties. Some of them I could understand but, portofino for $7 a pound? I buy this stuff in bulk for $1.20 a pound or so. That's a huge markup! These guys are running a hell of a scam on yuppies who think they're buying gourmet but, really, portofino is a mass-produced grain that's not that hard to get hold of.

Comments

[moiety-tx.livejournal.com]

Really? Man, I can't find anything worth making risotto of for less than $2/lb.

Speaking of which, have you ever made risotto in a rice cooker? It's the only way I've ever made it. No stirring required.

[mikstera.livejournal.com]

I've just discovered the joys of risotto-making. I think I prefer to do the stirring... it's almost a ritualistic process, not to mention mighty tasty.

[elfs.livejournal.com]

I agree. Also, it's a much more controlled process. It's something in your hands. Also, I like being able to choose different flavorings and so forth. I always make my risotto with scallions and sometimes with garlic, I sometimes slip in saffron, and I often use home-made stocks. With that kind of variability, you can't rely on the consistency of the rice cooker to give you excellent rice.

As for the rice, Cash & Carry has 10-pound bags of Arborio Risotto and Basmati for $11.99 each.