Giddeus is a good spot to do the Yag Necklack fighting, as it's the best place for drops I know of off hand. You might want to have some Goodiebags done first, as I think it's 4 Necklaces that the NPC will take @ a time.
We have a New Nin in the Ls, and I'll let him know about Riceballs, before he quits :p