My Favorite Way to Eat/Serve Caviar

I feel like caviar is having a moment (let’s be real, it has always been the moment… BUT it is becoming more accessible and well-liked). If you are looking to serve some caviar or want to try it but don’t know where to start, start here!! This is how my family enjoys caviar on special occasions.

What you will need:

• Caviar (of course!!)

• Good quality creme fraiche

• Good quality potato chips (not flavored)

• Russian-style blini or crepes (cocktail size)

• Boiled potato; peeled and sliced into medallions

• White onion; finely minced

• Chives; finely minced

• Hard boiled eggs; finely minced

• Some non-metal spoons; check out these pearl spoons!

Optional but encouraged: Some bubbly wine or champagne! OR vodka of some variety (martini, shot with lemon slices, etc).

Okay let’s talk caviar- if you have a Russian/Eastern European grocer near you, you can always check them out to see if they have sturgen caviar (I don’t like pike caviar and IMO salmon caviar, isn’t the most special).

If you are looking to order it online and have next day delivery, I would recommend Pearl Street Caviar or Marky’s. My personal favorite varieties are Siberian Select, Keluga and Ossetra.

Let’s talk accoutrements- building the perfect bite of caviar is essential and in my opinion you need quality ingredients to go with a quality item. Look for the best versions of creme fraiche (don’t substitute for sour cream or greek yogurt) and potato chips.

I grew up eating caviar with Russian-style cocktail blinis, which are essentially little pancake/crepe situations. You should be able to buy them at a Russian/Eastern Euro grocer or you can order them online, for example these from Citarella, these from Real Gourmet Food or these from Caviar Star.

You could also make them yourself and do mini crepes or try the traditional route.

If you are still easing into caviar you could try making deviled eggs and topping them with a dollop of caviar, or making homemade tater tots an adding caviar on top.