Grab-and-go Asian food at EATS
Yes, these sashimi rolls came from a deli case.
For the most part, if you want a little grab-and-go sushi in the Capital Region -- something you can pick up from a deli case on the run -- you're stuck with supermarket fare. Sure, that will do in a pinch, but we have yet to find a local supermarket roll that can take us off to that wonderful land of buttery freshness, salty tang, and softly sweetened rice that is true sushi yum.
However...
the sushi and sashimi rolls at EATS Gourmet Marketplace in Stuyvesant Plaza are a step in the right direction.
The fish is fresh - the salmon and yellowtail are particularly good -- and the rice is nicely seasoned and soft, no gumminess or dry, caked-up bits that say "refrigerator sushi."
EATS carries pretty standard nigiri-and-roll combination packs for around $8. There are also some more unusual offerings. We really like the tuna and cucumber sashimi roll ($8.38). Each bite is cool and refreshing with a nice little kick from the dollop of hot sauce atop each piece. All the sushi comes from Sushi Tei on Western Avenue.
EATS also carries grab-and-go Vietnamese food from My Linh in Albany. We recommend the veggie pillows ($6.75).
Think Vietnamese burritos - a combination of wood ear and shitake mushrooms, tofu, jicama and other veggies cooked in a slightly sweet soy sauce then bundled in a rice-flour wrap. The whole thing is topped with sprigs of cilantro and Thai basil and served with My Linh's house-made vegetarian dipping sauce. You could warm it up, but it is delicious just as it is.
Find It
EATS Gourmet Marketplace
Stuyvesant Plaza
 1475 Western Ave
Albany, NY 12203
Monday-Friday: 10:00am - 9:00pm

Saturday: 10:00am - 6:00pm

Sunday: 11:00am - 5:00pm
518.453.EATS (3287)

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Comments
While you're there, pick up some of their bleu cheese waffle-cut potato chips. It's the only place in the area that I've found who sells them, and they're so good I frequently consider grinding them up and snorting them.
... said Siobhan on May 26, 2009 at 2:45 PM | link
In other sushi news, Koto is finally carrying brown rice sushi. I've been looking for that locally for years.
Sushi Tei is pretty good, too!
Thanks for sharing this 'find.'
... said Kristi on May 26, 2009 at 3:28 PM | link
As long as we're talking sushi, check out this article in this month's Atlantic Monthly about a revival of the traditional sushi-eating-experience led by Caucasian sushi chefs. One of the places mentioned is just across the border in Lenox, Mass.
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200906/sushi
... said Steve Shoe on May 26, 2009 at 3:37 PM | link
Mmmm raw fish.
The only thing better would be a sushi drive-thru!
... said abby on May 26, 2009 at 5:19 PM | link