The Sophistication of Simplicity
Pairing caviar is a skill and an art that can be cultivated and developed over time. From the basic pairings such as with blinis and crème fraîche, to the main course, the key is to keep it simple. Your last name doesn’t need to be Petrossian to pair caviar like a connoisseur. With some time and experimentation with types and grades of caviar alongside various flavors and foods, you’ll find that caviar is quite versatile and exciting!
While experimenting with caviar, it’s important to keep it simple, to let the sophistication of the caviar shine through. Experience caviarologists recommend starting with a few types of caviar that pique your interest, and begin with tasting the caviar both on its own as well as over blinis and crème fraîche to allow your taste buds to learn how the different elements influence the flavors of the various types of caviar, and the nuances the pairing releases on the palate.
A great starting point is Royal Ossetra Caviar. This rich expression of Ossetra has inspired generations of caviar-lovers with its perfect balance of refined, savory brine and subtle notes of dried fruit and toasted grains. Perhaps it's the firm, potent grains. Maybe they appreciate the way Ossetra fills the senses with its rich, overwhelming essence. It could be the endless, toasted finish washing over the palate. When you have the opportunity to experience Ossetra, you’ll want to start with a simple pairing to understand the flavors and balance in every bite.
A Traditional Trio
Caviar is often paired with smoked salmon and a dollop of crème fraîche to bring out the silky smooth flavor of the smoked fish in conjunction with the pop of brine and gush of the sea in every bead of caviar, balanced out with the creamy texture of the crème fraîche. Special Reserve Alverta Caviar’s bold flavor offers a vibrant pairing with any smoked salmon. Alverta® is extremely hard to get right, but our Special Reserve has been matured to perfection, providing a nutty flavor, soft lingering finish and a welcome surprise: a rare touch of sweetness amid the briny notes. This is a unique experience, even among our elite caviars. It makes the perfect gift for the connoisseur, who is looking for something new.
Ranging in color from a deep, rich amber to bright, viridian green, Alverta caviar is well known for its bold flavor and distinctive, semi-sweet finish. Because its flavor is so pronounced, Alverta is an ideal caviar for topping over ribbons of smoked salmon to create a pairing any connoisseur would love.
Classic Sliced Smoked Salmon is always an excellent choice, however if you want to try something bold to match the bold flavor of Alverta, our triple smoked Souhoï Style Tsar-Cut® Smoked Salmon will be a delight. The unique texture toes the line between juicy fish and a jerky exterior. We’ve hand-trimmed the plumpest cuts and salted them to perfection. This has imbued the salmon with a robust, dark smoke that is sure to provoke the senses.
Caviar Over Pasta
When you’ve mastered pairing caviar with the simple, and traditional options, and experimented with various caviar types, it’s time to branch out into the main course. Caviar over pasta is a dish that can be done a million ways with a million nuances that will make your mouth sing with joy in every iteration.
For starters, caviarlogs recommend pairing a Royal Daurenki Caviar over a traditional spaghetti with a cream sauce and chopped chives. It’s easy to make, and absolutely delicious as the centerpiece of any main course. As you get bolder with your pairings, you can swap out the spaghetti for a Summer Truffle Tagliatelle that adds an earthy flavor to the dish.
For an Old World twist, try Royal Persicus Caviar atop the pasta. Caviar-lovers who are searching for something rich, bold and utterly unique will be thrilled by this savory but subtle pop that layers the palate in notes of dried fruit and light smoke, but leaves the taster with a sweeter, fresher finish than most caviar. After eight years of working closely with caviar farms to preserve this rare species, Petrossian is proud to offer its first production of the previously unavailable Persicus Caviar. We invite you to be the first to discover its unique charm and complex flavor, and impress your guests with something truly divine!
Are you ready to try caviar pairings at home ahead of the holidays? Let your creativity flow as you experiment now, and plan a holiday menu that is sensational. You may contact our caviarologists® at 1-800-828-9241 for personalized recommendations on caviar pairings and we’re happy to help find the ideal selection for you and your guests.