Inflation, who needs it? Let’s talk sushi.
Food is a huge part of culture, community and enjoyment. It brings together families and friends; it is often people’s first memories. Food is not just a part of survival, it is belonging. So, when I think about food now, as a teenager who does not have time to make every meal and does not have high standards as to what I eat, I realize more often than not, I end up buying something quick from the grocery store.
With rising inflation, it is hard to find good food for under 10 dollars. Usually, I opt for chocolate covered pretzels or packaged popcorn, but every once in a while, I will buy sushi. In an effort to find out where the best sushi is housed, I set out for the finest California rolls on the grocery store market, and went to three different stores scattered across Thousand Oaks.
Being close to Newbury Park High School makes Trader Joes an epicenter for students to rummage through the aisles and blindly buy seasonal snacks. The California roll at Trader Joes goes for $5.99, but the aesthetically pleasing packaging and abundant side of sauces makes for a much higher-end feel. When I think about the perfect roll, I think of sticky rice that melts in your mouth with the first bite. This rice was clumpy, the imitation crab was rubbery and flat, and if it wasn’t for the soy sauce, my taste buds would be asleep. Overall, the briny and full flavors I typically look for just were not there for this one.
Albertsons significantly differed from the quality I found in Trader Joes. The rice was much softer and warm, staying together without being too difficult to chew or swallow. The crab was sweet with a buttery melt, which melded together perfectly with the pillowy rice. This might have something to do with the fact that the people make the sushi right in front of you. Other than the extreme amount of salt, you can get a great roll freshly made at Albertsons.
The final store I visited was new territory for me. This was my first time in Ralphs and I wish I had something strong to say, but it was average across the board. The rice was sticky, the crab did not taste like much and the mayonnaise overpowered the meat. The whole roll tasted off and did not leave me with much to think about. Needless to say, the quality on this one was fishy.
Each roll was unique in what they had to offer, that is for sure. It was not hard to tell which one had better quality over the other, but it was hard to tell which one I generally enjoyed the most. It comes down to personal preference, but the ultimate winner is Albertsons. This roll was simple and easy to get my hands on. So, if you are rollin’ with your friends and fishin’ for a deal, craving a quick and tasty California roll, Albertsons is the place to go.
