Lotao PM Rice Experience

Rice refinement for gourmets or: the LOTAO rice experience

The young Berlin entrepreneur Stefan Fak trades in rare Asian rice specialties and attracts the miracle grain to the center of the culinary stage with fine spice compositions

Berlin, April 13, 2011. Rice still plays a minor role on European plates today: it is usually served as a side dish to meat, fish or vegetable dishes. It is also often garnished with sauces and spices that completely destroy its flavor. Hardly anyone in this country knows that there are around 120,000 different types of rice worldwide with an incredible variety of tastes. Our image is largely characterized by standardized industrial rice, which is primarily intended to be satiating.
It doesn't have to be that way. This is demonstrated by the selected rice specialties from LOTAO, which have been conquering the German delicatessen trade since February. Company founder Stefan Fak brought six rare, hand-picked Asian rice varieties with him from his trip to Asia. The risolier (rice expert) has developed his own spice composition for each of these varieties, which makes enjoying them a very special culinary experience.
Perfectioner or Elixir? Exquisite herbal compositions emphasize the individual character of the grain. “When we refine it, we differentiate between perfecters and elixirs – depending on which properties characterize the rice,” explains Stefan Fak. Perfectioners are spicy mixtures that have their origins in old Asian recipes and oral traditions . Elixirs are aromatic compositions based on rice oil, enriched with selected plant notes. They give the finished rice a smooth consistency and give it a stimulating shine.
“Each of our rice specialties has its own story. The Wizard of Laos, for example, consists of three different types of rice. When cooked, it changes color and turns purple," explains Austrian-born Fak. "The perfectioner "Magic Fruits" with essences of figs, dates, pepper, tomatoes and sea salt refines Wizard of Laos into an aromatic, fruity dish and underlines its own character “, says the Risolier. Perfectioners develop in the rice when added shortly before serving. The loose structure of the rice is retained and is refined by the bouquet of the spicy mixtures.
The essence of LOTAO elixirs is obtained from rice seedlings. Rice oil has had a centuries-long tradition in Asia, especially in Japan and Thailand, as a versatile cooking oil, comparable to our olive oil. Among other things, it is rich in type E vitamins, which act as natural radical scavengers. The elixirs are also added to the rice shortly before serving.
The LOTAO rice Rising Sun Orange has a slightly spicy, fruity component thanks to its elixir “Essence of sweet chili” with orange and chili extracts. The finely woody scent of Oriental Sensation smoked is rounded off by the fresh mint of its elixir. And Sparkling Volcano terra , the warriors' rice, shines powerfully and aromatically after adding its elixir based on lemongrass and ginger.
Stefan Fak discusses which side dish - whether fish, meat or vegetables - goes best with the refined rice specialties in his blog at www.risolier.de. In addition to some recipe ideas, there are also suggestions for other uses for the perfectors and elixirs.
The LOTAO product range is offered in elegant, individually designed high-gloss packaging and is available, among others, at Feinkost Käfer in Munich, in Galeries Lafayette and KaDeWe in Berlin, at OSCHÄTZCHEN in Hamburg as well as online at www.lotao.com and within Germany , Austria and Switzerland available.
Anyone who would like to test the Lotao rice specialties and personally look over the company founder's shoulder as they are being prepared has the opportunity in Berlin at KaDeWe (April 14th) and in the Galeries Lafayette (May 15th), as well as in Munich at Käfer (April 29th/ 30th). . and June 17th/18th). Further tasting dates can be found at www.lotao.com or at www.risolier.de.
To request an interview or to request product samples and images, please contact the press office. You can find more information about the rice specialties, packaging and the LOTAO philosophy at www.lotao.com.
About LOTAO (www.lotao.com)
The Austrian Stefan Fak (38) founded LOTAO GmbH in Berlin in 2010. LOTAO brings exquisite Asian rice varieties to the German-speaking market and wants to convey its own attitude to life through the stories associated with it. The expert blog “Der Risolier” is also a forum for the exchange of topics relating to Wunderkorn (www.risolier.de). LOTAO's high-quality products are in the delicatessen segment and are primarily aimed at discerning connoisseurs who care about the quality and origin of food. LOTAO's rice specialties are purchased under fair conditions for the producers. The testing process for the organic seal has already been initiated.


Press contact: Contact Lotao:
Press office Lotao Lotao GmbH
c/o Katja Weinhold Stefan Fak
Tel.: +49 (0)30 397 944 06 Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 9
10178 Berlin
Email: presse@lotao.com Email: stefan.fak@lotao.com
www.lotao.com www.lotao.com