Celebrating National Caviar Month on CBS Las Vegas Now
- Christianne Klein
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
There’s nothing I love more than introducing people to foods they may have always wanted to try but felt a little intimidated by- and caviar is definitely one of them.
To celebrate National Caviar Month, I had the pleasure of joining JC Fernandez on CBS Las Vegas Now for a delicious tasting featuring several exceptional caviars, the fascinating history behind the famous caviar bump, and my very favorite tasting partner in the world—my 8-year-old daughter, Livia.
If you’ve followed FoodFamilyTravel for a while, you already know Livi is a true caviar enthusiast. In fact, she’s become so passionate about it that she even demonstrated for viewers exactly how to do a proper caviar bump- the same technique she proudly taught her grandpa.
The caviar bump isn’t just a social media trend. Its roots date back centuries to traders along the Caspian Sea in the 1600s, who would place a small amount of caviar on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger to evaluate its freshness, aroma, texture, and quality before making a purchase. It’s a tradition that has stood the test of time- and a fun way to experience one of the world’s great delicacies.
The Caviar Tasting
We started with Kaluga Hybrid Caviar from The Caviar Co., which also happens to be the caviar most beloved by many Michelin-starred chefs (and Livi’s favorite).
Often considered the closest alternative to the legendary Beluga caviar, Kaluga Hybrid offers everything you could want: firm pearls with a satisfying pop, beautiful bronze coloring, and deep earthy, umami-rich flavor. It’s luxurious enough to enjoy completely on its own but equally incredible paired with warm dishes.
We also sampled Royal White Sturgeon from The Caviar Co., a sophisticated, beautifully balanced caviar with tawny and blonde pearls that begin with earthy notes before finishing with an elegant buttery richness. It’s easy to understand why it’s considered one of the producer’s premium selections. This was JC’s favorite.
Our tasting also included Royal Siberian Caviar from YachtLife. Its glossy bronze pearls had a silky texture with subtle minerality, slight butteriness, hints of walnut, and a powerful undercurrent of seaweed.
Each caviar was so distinct that they stood on their own and together, allowed you to appreciate the differences and how they played with different types of food and champagne. If you can, tasting several types at once is perfect for anyone looking to understand this incredible delicacy.
The Perfect Pairing
Of course, great caviar deserves great bubbles.
We paired our tasting with one of my favorite sparkling wines, Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Brut 2019. Roederer Estate is the California sister winery of the famed Champagne house Louis Roederer- the producer behind the iconic Cristal- and their vintage L’Ermitage is crafted using many of the same philosophies reserved for exceptional Champagne. I’ve been drinking L’Ermitage since I was 22 years old.
The 2019 vintage offers aromas of quince and delicate pastry with a bright, textured palate and a creamy finish that beautifully complements the richness of caviar.
One of my favorite discoveries is that Roederer Estate even offers a thoughtfully curated caviar picnic kit featuring blini, Roederer Estate Reserve White Sturgeon caviar, crème fraîche, and an insulated travel bag- making it the ultimate luxury picnic or outdoor concert companion.
Our Favorite Way to Serve Caviar
While the caviar bump is always fun, our family’s favorite way to enjoy caviar couldn’t be simpler.
Spread a generous spoonful of crème fraîche into a small serving bowl, then scatter over freshly snipped chives and dill straight from the garden. For the perfect bite, add a dollop to a crisp kettle chip and finish with your favorite caviar.
Planning a picnic or an evening outdoor concert? Keep it wonderfully simple: leave the crème fraîche in its original container, top it with the fresh herbs, snap the lid back on, and tuck it into your cooler. When you’re ready to serve, all you need are kettle chips and your favorite caviar. We love classic sea salt kettle chips for their satisfying crunch, but delicate truffle chips make an especially decadent pairing.
It’s everything I love in an appetizer- cool and creamy, buttery, briny, and irresistibly crunchy. Best of all, it comes together in about 30 seconds, making it our go-to for spontaneous get-togethers, happy hours, elegant picnics, or evenings spent listening to live music under the stars.
Sometimes the simplest recipes really are the most memorable.
Stay tuned later this month as we celebrate National Caviar Day by sharing several of our favorite recipes featuring more exceptional caviar from The Caviar Co. We can’t wait to share more delicious- and surprisingly approachable- ways to enjoy one of the world’s most iconic delicacies.
Watch the full segment below on CBS:
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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