RiceUp with Chef Diane Kochilas

Whether you are familiar with Greek culture and Mediterranean cuisine or not, this is something you can appreciate. Allow us to give you a little taste of something new with an experience provided by Chef Diane Kochilas.

Nestled in the intimate tasting room Sopra above Amali, a Mediterranean restaurant, celebrity chef and cookbook author Diane Kochilas hosted a cooking demonstration of RiceUp risotto.

The room buzzed with a mixture of Greek and English greetings and chattering, and liveliness filled the room as wine flowed and tasty appetizers were passed to whet guests’ palettes.

In between greeting guests, Chef Diane patiently stirred the pot, which sent the aroma floating through the room and built the anticipation for the main event. Before serving Chef Diane and other distinguished guests share the importance of this product.

Having been such a staple in the home as well as for special occasions for many families, rice is an important part of a meal and a culture. What RiceUp has created is important because it shares piece of that on a commercial level. They have created a high quality product that honors the authenticity of Greek tradition and brings it together harmoniously with the convenience of the American lifestyle, without a compromise in flavor.. This product makes this special experience accessible to more people, specifically those who identify as Greek American.

Chef Diane served the lemon risotto which was simple and rich in flavor – creamy with an ever so slight citrus zest. There was also a sweet and spicy risotto, which was embellished with cinnamon, pistachios and raisins. She shared about how she likes to experiment with garnishes and watch how the dishes can evolve. She shared her love for food and her culture with each plate.

Though Chef Diane’s risotto had her special touch, RiceUp boasts to be easy to create at home. With recipes and samples given in the gift bags, guests were equipped with the perfect meal: simple, quick and delicious.