Speaking of rice and rice cookers:

I just moved, and it's just me. Found a very small, and therefore very rare, rice cooker at Walgreen's for $10. It works great. Auto cooks, then switches to a warming mode when done.

Finally, there is hope at the Montrose stop. 255 restaurant, on Bushwick, a half a block down has simple, but wonderful food, and not hispanic food, either, thank God. Across the street, there is a new 24 hour market with great produce, prepared sandwiches, sushi rolls, and a decent selection of real food. On Bushwick in the other direction, a half a block up from the Montrose stop, Jessie's has the only decent espresso, americano, etc. and has the best, good but not great toasted bagels. In fairness, Paul's Deli is getting its act together, with a much better selection of food.