SACRAMENTO, CA – To help launch Sacramento’s Farm-to-Fork Festival in September, the International Commodity Institute has announced the call for entries for the 2015 Lord of Rice contest. Professional chefs who currently own or work in restaurants throughout the world are invited to take part.
Entrants must submit a brief online bio and an original recipe that uses California rice as the primary ingredient. A panel of judges will review the submissions and select the semi-finalists, who will then be required to upload a short video that includes the dish and a brief narrative by the chef.
Three finalists will be chosen to compete in a live event on August 25 at Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi bar in midtown Sacramento. Their rice dishes will be judged on appearance, flavor, texture, balance of ingredients, and innovation. The evening’s festivities will also feature food, Asian beer and sake tastings, and live entertainment.
In addition to being named Lord of Rice, the winner will accompany Mikuni master sushi chef Taro Arai on an all-expenses-paid trip to Malaysia for The Rice Trader World Rice Conference that will take place October 27-30, 2015. The winner will also receive $1,000 in cash and will assist in the judging and selection of the Best Rice in the World at the conference. Second and third place finishers will receive $750 and $500, respectively.
The deadline for entries is July 20, 2015. Local contest entry information can be found at www.LordofRiceContest.com, and international entry information is available at www.trtamericas.com/lordof rice.
Hosted by Mikuni, the Lord of Rice contest is sponsored by the International Commodity Institute, The Rice Trader, in association with the California Rice Commission, and the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB). The goal of the competition is to highlight the sustainable approach to rice cultivation and to showcase its benefits and versatility as a food. Event and ticket information will be available through the SCVB or directly from the organizers.
###
About International Commodity Institute (ICI)
ICI is the only integrated media source that connects research, analysis, trade, and conferences for the global rice industry. It also publishes The Rice Trader, a weekly newsletter dedicated to in-depth analysis of the industry. ICI is made up of international advisors, buyers, brokers, and consultants for agricultural products and services.
About Mikuni Restaurant Group
Since 1987, the award-winning Mikuni restaurants have blended traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi with American innovation. Mikuni employs more than 650 people and currently operates seven restaurants in the Sacramento region and a location in the Village at Northstar™ in Truckee. The extensive menu features more than 300 original sushi creations.
About California Rice Commission (CRC)
CRC exists to support the 2,500 growers and handlers of rice in California in the areas of conservation, legislation, public education, and regulation. CRC is fully funded by the industry and operates through oversight by the State Department of Food & Agriculture.
About Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau—Farm-to-Fork initiative
Farm-to-Fork communicates a regional identity that celebrates and features farmers, chefs, and the culinary community that make the Sacramento region the Farm-to Fork Capital of America. The movement brings awareness to the area’s local food production, consumption, and sustainability, and highlights the contribution and exploration of sustainable products to the rest of the nation and world.