Rice to Riches

In addition to my clandestine visit to the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck last month, I was presented with the momentous opportunity to try rice pudding. I grew up in a house that would only consider instant pudding, served cold, or add to a cake mix '70s style. (So that means I've never had bread pudding, either! I bet it's delicious but I'm too scared to find out. What if everyone is right?) This is all a shame, because now that I've visited Rice to Riches in Nolita, I realize I've squandered the last 24 years, because I love rice pudding.



Located at 37 Spring Street, between Mott and Mulberry Streets, and very close to Lombardi's, Rice to Riches mimics the frozen yogurt craze with a bright, friendly interior, multiple flavors of a product, and many toppings.

I arrived just before 11 a.m., when Rice to Riches is scheduled to open (oops!), and saw only a few flavors. (I was puzzled, but I understand now.) This made it easier for me to make a decision, given my predilection to struggle with choosing flavors (or places to eat—never ask me to pick where we're eating dinner). Of the flavors, I can confirm I saw Cinnamon Sling with Raisins, Category 5 Caramel, and Hazelnut Chocolate Bear Hug.

I politely asked for a taste of the Hazelnut Chocolate and was instantly smitten. The pudding if soft, smooth, and light. The rice is also smooth—I hate having chunky items in my food, but the rice did not stand out or provide a weird texture.

Choosing a topping was more difficult. I felt inclined to order something, because the signs in the store strongly encourage conformity. The woman behind the counter recommended mixed nuts, but I chose toasted coconut.

A single serving (SOLO) is $6.95. Sizes increase dramatically, and all sizes are available for local delivery. A five serving, 40 ounce SUMO is available for overnight delivery for $55. (I'm seriously considering placing an order.) My single serving was huge. I couldn't possibly eat all of it, and ended up throwing the rest out (because I couldn't bring myself to throw out the container).



The problem now, of course, is that I don't know where to find chocolate hazelnut rice pudding in Maryland or DC to tide myself over until I'm ready to order.