Each year, on July 18th, food enthusiasts and gourmands come together to celebrate National Caviar Day. This day is dedicated to appreciating the rich flavors and cultural significance of this gourmet delicacy. Caviar has been enjoyed by royalty and connoisseurs for centuries.
Caviar, often synonymous with elegance and opulence, is not just a dish but an experience. From its delicate texture to its unique, briny taste, caviar represents the pinnacle of sophisticated dining. Whether you're a seasoned caviar aficionado or a curious newcomer, National Caviar Day is the perfect opportunity to experience the unique flavors and textures of this popular food.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the origins and significance of National Caviar Day. Plus, we’ll provide tips on how to celebrate. Continue reading to make this year’s National Caviar Day an unforgettable culinary adventure!
When Is National Caviar Day?
We celebrate National Caviar Day annually on July 18th. This year, National Caviar Day falls on Thursday, July 18th, 2024.
Not much is known about the origins of this obscure national holiday. It’s unclear who chose this date or if it has any particular historical significance. Still, we think mid-July, when we all have ocean-fresh seafood on the brain, is the best time to celebrate our favorite luxury treat!
If you’re new to caviar, take the plunge and give this delicacy a shot under the gorgeous summer sun!
Long-time caviar lovers can use this festive day as an excuse to break out the mother-of-pearl spoons!
How to Observe National Caviar Day
The best way to observe National Caviar Day is to enjoy some delicious caviar. Quality caviar pops on the tongue and delivers an unparalleled umami experience! Here are some tips for enjoying our favorite delicacy on the town or in the comfort of your home.
Dining Out on National Caviar Day
If you’ve only just heard of National Caviar Day and can’t orchestrate a tasting or gathering for friends or family, it’s best to book a reservation at a nice spot in town and get the full-service caviar experience.
Here are some things to consider when dining out on this special day.
1. Browse the Menu Carefully
Depending on the restaurant you visit, you’ll see a range of different caviar setups on the menu.
Some will be more traditional, while others will push the boundaries of culinary experimentation.
If this is your very first foray into the world of caviar, we recommend you keep things classic on National Caviar Day. It’s a good sign if the menu features caviar service with the full set of goodies and accouterments we’ve come to expect in the caviar community.
Look for:
- Chopped egg whites
- Egg yolks
- French blini
- Toast points
- Crème fraîche
- Capers
For two people, it’s best to order a 30g portion of caviar so that you can both experience several heaping scoops of the good stuff, along with all the extras that come with it.
Also, be sure to know exactly where your caviar is coming from and that the price is right. Build up that mental database and savor each bite to create lasting memories in all five senses.
2. Experiment with Beverage Pairings
Your caviar service deserves more than just a glass of water or iced tea. Pop a bottle of bubbly or order some nice dry white wine. Ensure each pearly bite is punctuated with a sip of something cool and delicious.
Chablis or Chardonnay are two whites worth a look. Likewise, any Champagne should be very dry so as to not overpower the caviar with sweetness. A light pale beer might also be a reasonable pairing for caviar, and ice-cold vodka is a certified classic straight out of the Czar playbook.
Ask your server for recommendations to make the right call instead of rolling the dice.
Celebrating National Caviar Day at Home
This year, hold an at-home National Caviar Day celebration that gets everyone involved! Here are some things to remember when organizing an exciting caviar night for friends and family.
1. Gather Supplies
Plastic plates and paper napkins may get the job done for a July 4th barbeque, but National Caviar Day is a much more elegant affair! At the very least, you’ll want a sterling silver caviar setup that will house your prized tins on ice. We recommend saving some extra real estate for vodka vials and sides!
You should also purchase a few mother-of-pearl spoons for the occasion. Standard silverware is not meant to come into contact with highly sensitive caviar.
Trust us—it’s worth spending a little extra on a quality caviar set that will last generations. It makes everything easier, more special, and more fun for everyone.
2. Prepare the Food
Make sure you put in a couple of hours of prep time with the proper ingredients on the cutting board.
Blinis can be baked from scratch or found frozen in stores. Toast points can be made on the fly. Some folks even like to scoop caviar on potato chips — to each their own!
The point is that variety is key, so it never hurts to prepare more sides than fewer. You can even do it pot-luck style and have each guest bring something fresh and delicious to share!
3. Add Some Drinks
What’s the point of a caviar party if you don’t have plenty of libations to go around? You want everyone in the house to be well-doused — within reason — whether that means Champagne, Chardonnay, light beers, or spiked seltzers.
We suggest that everyone tastes a bit of ice-cold vodka in between sips of caviar. This helps cleanse the palate and provides the full royal caviar experience. Don’t forget to establish a designated driver!
4. Elevate the Presentation
Caviar necessitates a bit of showmanship if you’re hosting a group of people in your home.
Present each caviar properly, ensuring it’s displayed on ice at the perfect temperature and with the right garnishes. Have a bit of inside info prepared to discuss. It’s fun to make a ceremonial display to raise the stakes and excitement!
Encourage everyone to chime in with their thoughts and opinions about each caviar. Afterward, you can compare notes side by side. We all have different perceptions of taste and can offer unique insights to the group.
Prepare for some memorable moments and plenty of laughs all around!
5. Try Out Some Recipes
If you’re really embracing the role of the host on National Caviar Day, why not show off some culinary chops? You can create a few caviar-based dishes that everyone will appreciate.
Purchase a larger tin of affordable caviar to use in fun, tasty appetizers like roasted potato halves or deviled eggs topped with glistening pearls. You could also whip up a light, cheesy pasta dish with a scoop of caviar on top of each serving. Maybe sear a few rare steaks and top them with caviar for something truly indulgent! Caviar pizza is also a crowd favorite — take some risks and enjoy every bite.
Here are some other caviar recipes you might consider adding to the menu:
- Four-layer caviar dip: Savory layers of crisp onions, creamy egg salad, herbed cream cheese and delectable caviar come together to create an irresistible topper for crackers, toast points and veggie slices. Try out this four-layer caviar dip for a dish that will have your guests coming back for more.
- Caviar waffle bites: Who knew caviar could make a magnificently minimalist treat? These caviar waffle bites combine strips of waffle, crème fraîche, caviar and fresh chives for some adorably streamlined pop-in-your-mouth morsels.
- Caviar sandwiches: Enjoy fresh herbs, caviar, crème fraîche and eggs between two warm, buttery slices of toasted white bread. These delicious caviar sandwiches are sure to be a hit at your upcoming party!
Top Caviars to Try on National Caviar Day
Before you hit the shops or online marketplaces, know which types of caviar are best for your celebration. Caviar is sturgeon roe and nothing less! Don’t be fooled by labels, and make sure you’re getting the real deal.
With that said, you might not be able to get your hands on authentic Beluga caviar, which is considered the most exquisite variety on the planet.
However, the most popular caviars chefs currently use in their operations are Kaluga anf Ossetra caviars. You can likely find affordable Royal Ossetra caviar for your event, which delivers on all fronts in terms of flavor, texture, versatility and cost-effectiveness. You might also want to try some Kaluga caviar to do a side-by-side comparison and see how these varieties differ. If you’re interested in trying both and comparing the two, consider a starter set that contains a serving of both varieties. Discussing the differences is a great way to kick off your first National Caviar Day and choose a favorite!
Furthermore, find a tasty American caviar product like Hackleback or White Sturgeon to round out your offerings. Three different types of caviar are a perfect amount of variety.
Where to Buy Caviar for National Caviar Day
While you can shop around at local gourmet markets for quality caviar, we suggest buying from a reputable online vendor. That will ensure you get a great product both on time and at optimal freshness.
Keep the following factors in mind when sourcing your caviar for the occasion.
1. Sustainable Production
Sturgeon fish — such as the four species Persian, Ship, Stellate, and Russian sturgeon — are endangered throughout the modern world. That’s why we think sustainable aquaculture practices are so important when buying your next round of caviar.
Do some research to find vendors that practice sustainable sturgeon farming. You’ll help preserve the breeds that matter most for authentic caviar products. This is good for the industry, the environment, and the overall caviar economy.
2. Affordable Price
When you shop online for premium caviar, you get top-tier products at better prices compared to brick-and-mortar retail. Buy in bulk to get even better prices, and don’t hesitate to shop around to compare.
3. Superior Service
Service is everything in caviar culture! That includes the service you receive from online vendors. Look for fast shipping, comprehensive customer service, and plenty of genuine, trustworthy reviews.
At Imperia Caviar, we’ll help you celebrate National Caviar Day in the best way possible. With our affordable selection of high-quality caviar, you’re sure to wow your guests with outstanding flavor. Browse our premium caviar collection and purchase yours before July 18th!
