Chef Lionel Giraud on the gourmet product which was created along with Alexis Muñoz
Chef Lionel Giraud became a Lavazza Chef Ambassador in 2016, and, since then, has taken great pleasure in exploiting all its facets. However, after two years as a Chef Ambassador, Lionel decided to infuse two most essential elements of Italian cooking — coffee and organic olive oil. Lionel Giraud chose to work alongside Alexis Muñoz, a famous olive oil producer. Alexis Muñoz rose to the challenge and created high quality oil, which is completely organic.

Lavazza’s coffee with olive oil is produced in a limited edition and sold in 25cl bottles. Excerpts from an interview:

How would you describe the aromatic notes that emerge from the combination of coffee and olive oil?
After weeks of research and testing, we finally found the perfect match: an amazing olive oil both subtle and spicy with a fruity taste, combined with a Lavazza coffee with a strong and delicate flavour.

The feedback from the restaurant’s customers is positive. They are very surprised to see how different the perception can be, depending on the way you try the oil. For instance, on a slice of toast, it is the fruity taste that stands out, while on other foods, it is the coffee note which will first be perceived.

Coffee is now used to give flavour especially to soups. Do you think that coffee oil could further improve these tastes?
Of course the addition of some qualitative fat always improves the taste and brings stronger flavours to the dish.

What have you learned from your years of experience with a clientèle with diverse profiles?
Today, customers want a light coffee with 50% Arabica and 50% Robusta. The restaurant’s customers are very keen on the Tierra coffee.

How would you assess how your customers enjoy their coffee?
Today, customers have a better knowledge of coffee, its production method and the different ways of preparing it. It is all about a product that has to be enjoyed and that arouses curiosity and discussion. As a result, it is more appreciated than it used to be.

What would be the best way to introduce someone to coffee?
I personally like to include roasted grains in my preparations. For example, I introduced my children to coffee by adding grated roasted coffee beans to a silky mashed potato. It removes the bitterness from the coffee.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style> Food / by Prabalika M. Borah / September 28th, 2018