Just Add Fish: Triscuit Wasabi and Soy Sauce Crisps

Got a hankering for sushi but live in Kansas? Have we got the snack for you. Though we here at the Studio are aware that wasabi and soy sauce is not the strangest combination of flavors out there, it is rare to see them in such a casual Americanized format (unless, of course, you dip your deep-fried, mayo-slathered California rolls in low-sodium salt sauce and ceremoniously top them in green horseradish). So, are they everything they promise to be and more?

Brown Rice Triscuit Thin Crisps: Wasabi & Soy Sauce

It was a rare passerby that turned down this crunchy treat. The smell of sweet soy sauce just hovers over the plate, enticing people to chow down. They taste strongly of a sugary soy glaze, just sweet and salty enough, though the wasabi flavor is conspicuously absent. A quick check of the label reveals that "wasabi powder" is the last and certainly least ingredient; sugar, of course, is high above it. These really should be called "Sugar & Soy Sauce - Now With Even Less Wasabi!" Crisps, but that just sounds too honest to sell boxes of the stuff.

The brown rice base, which may act as a deterrent for those who swear they're allergic to health food, is actually a big bonus both for the whole "sushi" idea and to the strength of this chip. Almost like it's perfect to pair with something. We recommend a lovely smoked Atlantic Salmon. Rating: 8.5. Instant Sushi. Just add fish.

Cabot Horseradish Cheddar Cheese 

(Artificially flavored. Because actually putting horseradish in it would make too much sense.)

We didn't have smoked salmon, so we pulled this out instead. I'm not quite sure what originally possessed BH to pair this cheese with these Triscuits; at first glance, it doesn't quite make any sense at all (must we stress again how fish and cheese do not mix?!). But then you think, they put cream cheese in tuna rolls, and horseradish (as aforementioned) does like to masquerade as wasabi. So you put them together and Voila! That missing wasabi kick is back, balances out the Crisp's sweetness, and all your faux-sushi dreams come true! Alright, it's not like Morimoto whipped this up himself, but the word "delicious" has been thrown around the Studio. Rating: 6.5. That'll do, pig. That'll do. 

HERR's Old Bay Snacks are now OURRs

Fish and chips. A classic combination if you're from London and you use the wrong word for "French Fries" (or, lately, Freedom Fries. Because America.). But potato chips (and cheese puffs?) flavored the way a nice, flaky tilapia should be treated? How would that taste?
We didn't know. And our curiosity overtook our initial distrust of the combination, so we decided to find out.

Exhibit A:

HERR's OLD BAY Seasoned Potato Chips

(Gluten- and Trans Fat-free! It must be healthy!)

Our favorite of the three was the Potato Chip variety. A bit heavy on the celery salt, but generally a good chip that you would expect from the junk food giant. As opposed to other snacks we've sampled (sweet corn flavored chips? Oh no.), you can eat more than one of these without feeling overwhelmed by artificial flavorings and the laughter of deceptive, greedy marketers. RATING: Solid 8. 

Exhibit B:

HERR'S OLD BAY Seasoned Popcorn

At first glance, these may deceptively look as if they are caramel corn. They are not. As sad as this is, the general consensus is that these are okay. Those who are looking for a more subtle Old Bay flavor may find this choice to be to their liking, but those food ADventurers who desire more of a kick may want to save their calories for other varieties. RATING: Eh. 5. 

Exhibit C:

HERR'S OLD BAY Seasoned Cheese Curls

(Oven Baked with Real Cheese! Goodie!)

Any foodie worth their salt knows that cheese and fish do not mix. At least not well. This is no exception. Once you bite into the albeit pleasantly crunchy exterior, the Curl dissolves until you're left with what you would have if you just shoved a tablespoon of dried cheddar cheese and Old Bay Seasoning straight from the shaker can in your mouth. Does that sound pleasant to you? Spoiler Alert: It's not. RATING: 2. Stay clear.