Gourmet House Caviar Interview : Where Caviar Meets Culinary Mastery
For the 2024 edition of the European Sushi Championship, Gourmet House Caviar joins the event as a key partner. Renowned for the exceptional quality of its caviars, the brand shares common values with the world of Sushi : precision, freshness and culinary excellence.
In this interview, Gourmet House talks about its role in this partnership and the importance of marrying European and Japanese traditions in the art of gastronomy.
Can you tell us a bit about the history of your company ?
Founded in 1965, Gourmet House began its journey with a passion for caviar, rooted in a commitment to quality and excellence. Established by a visionary entrepreneur, the company quickly gained a reputation for sourcing the finest caviar available, laying the groundwork for our legacy in the industry.
In the years that followed, the business was handed down to Mr. Mahmoudi, the founder’s son, who grew up immersed in the world of caviar. From a young age, Mr. Mahmoudi learned the intricacies of caviar production, developing a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. Under his leadership, the company has continued to innovate while honouring the traditional methods that define our products.
Today, Mr. Mahmoudi serves as the director, guiding the company with the same passion and dedication instilled in him by his father. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and artisanal craftsmanship remains steadfast, ensuring that each tin of caviar reflects our rich heritage and expertise.
What are your values as a caviar producer ? How does this translate into your products ?
As a caviar producer, our core values revolve around quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship :
- Quality : We are committed to sourcing the finest fish and employing meticulous production processes to ensure that every tin of caviar meets the highest standards of flavor and texture. Our focus on quality guarantees an exceptional tasting experience.
- Sustainability : We prioritize environmentally responsible practices, working closely with aquaculture facilities that adhere to sustainable methods. This commitment ensures the health of fish populations and protects aquatic ecosystems, allowing future generations to enjoy caviar.
- Craftsmanship : Our team consists of skilled artisans who are dedicated to perfecting the caviar-making process. This expertise is reflected in the nuances of our products, from the selection of eggs to the careful curing techniques we use.
These values translate directly into our products, resulting in caviar that not only tastes exquisite but also supports sustainable practices and reflects our dedication to craftsmanship. By prioritizing these principles, we aim to create a product that is both a luxury and a responsible choice for consumers.
Why did you choose to partner with the European Sushi Championship ?
We chose to partner with the European Sushi Championship because it represents a unique opportunity to celebrate culinary artistry and innovation in Sushi-making. As a caviar company, we recognize that high-quality ingredients are essential to creating exceptional dishes, and sushi is a perfect canvas for showcasing our premium products.
This event attracts top chefs who are passionate about their craft, and we are excited to collaborate with them in elevating the culinary experience. Partnering with the Championship allows us to engage with a vibrant community, promote the versatility of caviar, and highlight its role in modern cuisine. We believe that this collaboration will inspire creativity and enhance the appreciation for both Sushi and caviar.
How does caviar fit in with Japanese cuisine, and more specifically with a Sushi competition ?
Caviar its beautifully into Japanese cuisine due to its emphasis on high-quality, fresh ingredients and the artistry of presentation. In Sushi, where flavor and texture are paramount, caviar adds a luxurious touch that enhances the overall experience.
Specifically, at a sushi competition, caviar can elevate traditional dishes, providing a unique flavor profile and a burst of umami that complements the delicate taste of Sushi. Its vibrant colors and exquisite presentation also make it visually appealing, aligning with the Japanese philosophy of “Ichi-go iIchi-e,” or the idea of cherishing each moment.
By incorporating caviar, chefs can showcase their creativity and skill, pushing the boundaries of traditional Sushi while honoring the culinary techniques that define Japanese cuisine.
What varieties of caviar do you offer ? How do they stand out ?
As a caviar company, we offer a range of premium varieties, each with unique characteristics that set them apart :
- Almas : A rare find, traditionally reserved for the Royals and the Sheikhs. This small to medium eggs with a unique translucent amber colour, the Almas caviar has a pleasant sensation with reined textures and a subtle nutty tone.
- Beluga Caviar : Known for its large, delicate pearls and rich, buttery flavor, Beluga is often considered the pinnacle of caviar. Its smooth texture and complex taste make it a favorite among connoisseurs.
- Osetra Caviar : This variety features medium-sized eggs with a nutty, briny flavor. Osetra caviar is celebrated for its golden to dark brown hues and a distinctive, lingering finish, making it versatile for various dishes.
- Oscietra Royale Caviar : The Oscietra Royale defines the original fresh sea flavour, its colour ranges from light brown to light olive, the sizes vary from medium to large grains with a smooth and velvety texture along with a pleasant aroma of the sea.
- Imperial Caviar : Imperial Caviar is the only type of caviar that is created by two different species. It is effortlessly delightful and reined. It offers a sublime buttery flavour and it is known for its complex hint of creamy, briny note. It simply melts in your mouth, leaving behind a sensual experience that invites you to more. Its colour varies from golden to dark amber, with medium to large size eggs. The Imperial is certainly the epitome of exceptional caviar, it represents true sophistication in flavours.
- Royal Baeri : Caviar egg sizes vary from small to medium, colours ranging from black to olive or brown. Baeri offers beautifully intense flavours, it depicts the essences of nuts and mushrooms with buttery tones. Its luscious texture melts in your mouth, leaving sumptuous aromas as temptations to indulge.
- Sevruga Caviar : With smaller, dark gray pearls, Sevruga offers a robust, intense flavor profile. Its rich taste and slightly firmer texture make it a popular choice for those seeking a more pronounced caviar experience.
- Kaluga Caviar : Originally from the Amur river, Kaluga Caviar tastes of the sea with buttery overtones. Its colour varies from medium to light brown with gold highlights and a glossy finish. It is one of our most exclusive selections.
Each of our caviar varieties is carefully sourced and produced to ensure exceptional quality and taste, allowing us to cater to diverse preferences and culinary applications.
Do you have any upcoming projects or innovations that might be of interest to Japanese haute cuisine or similar events ?
Yes, we have several exciting projects and innovations in the pipeline that align with Japanese haute cuisine and similar events.
- Omakase Course at Beluga Lounge & Restaurant, Dubai : We are launching a new omakase course at our Beluga Bar restaurant, which will blend the finest elements of Japanese flavors with our premium caviar. This experience aims to offer a refined and immersive dining journey that highlights the harmony between caviar and traditional Japanese techniques.
- Collaborations with Japanese Chefs : We are developing partnerships with renowned Japanese chefs to introduce our caviar into their culinary creations. Our aim is to bring our caviar to the forefront of Japanese establishments, creating a fusion of Japanese tradition and luxury caviar.
- Culinary Events and Workshops : We plan to host events and workshops with chefs, focusing on incorporating caviar into traditional Japanese dishes. These events will provide an interactive platform for chefs and consumers to explore the fusion of caviar with Japanese haute cuisine.
These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to deepening our connection with Japanese cuisine and introducing our caviar in innovative ways that will captivate both chefs and consumers.
