What an inspired idea it was to start our 2020 programme at Arany Kaviár (Golden Caviar) which is celebrating its 30th birthday. Today, the restaurant is a very well-known, modern Russian fine-dining establishment. The owners, Officier Maître Restaurateur Attila Molnár and Maître Rôtisseur Sasha Nyíri are active Chaîne members with a long history of working in the hospitality business.

The welcoming drink was a perfect Russian Mule cocktail. Following the reception Attila and Sasha shared their 30-year story. Starting in a tiny restaurant with a few tables and a small kitchen it was a hobby, later becoming a profession. Their aim to make it better day by day has not changed. Attila and Sasha truly believe that using contemporary technologies and keeping the traditions in the same time is a must.

We enjoyed a 10-course modern Russian lunch full of surprises!

Gillardeau No.1 oyster with lychee, elderflower, beetroot salad, smoked starlet and caviar to begin. Followed by an incredibly mouth-watering creamy beef tartare with marrow and pine seeds.

Well-balanced, harmonious, traditional Hungarian duck liver terrine with Tokaj Aszú wine was next. Afterwards came a hot appetiser of king crab leg served with yuzu and carrot with lovely citrusy flavours. Then Jerusalem artichoke soup with langoustine and truffle picked and selected by Sasha!

There were two options for main course: sturgeon fillet or venison.

Then magic happened … a dish which looked like a simple soft-boiled egg but wasn’t. It was a mascarpone and white chocolate egg white, filled with mango puree and served with Siberian sturgeon caviar on top!

Last but not least was a black salsify root dessert with pear and lemon creating a really unexpected combination of flavours.

Adding to the theatre of the event, the courses were served on specially-designed, colourfully-decorated plates.

Throughout the lunch the kitchen and service brigades had worked in harmony according to a well-planned schedule. After coffee and petits fours, the staff members headed by the owners received appreciative applause. A specially-engraved National Bailliage plaque was presented to the hosts.

The event was a great success. So much so that the Arany Kaviár Restaurant had to repeat it a week later for those of our members who were not able to book for this first extravaganza!

Vive la Chaîne!

Ivan Novak
Bailli Délégué