Tastemakers Series
Featuring Regiis Ova
With the new year, we continue to explore the passion for craftsmanship in our community and invite you to explore the world of Regiis Ova, the company providing us with the ultimate caviar.
Cultivating Luxury
Regiis Ova, translating to “Royal Egg” in Latin, is the caviar company founded by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller and caviar expert Shaoching Bishop. The company goes straight to the source to bring sustainably farmed, high-quality, affordable caviar to restaurants and customers alike. Learn more about these tastemakers below!
a powerful duo
Regiis Ova was founded by Chef Thomas Keller and Shaoching Bishop, former CEO of Sterling Caviar and Tsar Nicoulai Caviar. Bishop is an authority on caviar with extensive experience, having spent nearly two decades in the industry. She ensures flavor complexity, freshness, and firm textures but also stresses that quality starts at the source.
Renowned Chef Keller, synonymous with quality and finesse, believed he could deliver better caviar to his customers at Per Se and The French Laundry, both awarded 3 Michelin stars, by going straight to the source. With Bishop's understanding of the technical knowledge behind each product, the team is intimately tied to the product. And that is what makes their caviar different— they personally know each farm from which they buy, having spent months finding and sourcing their caviar from the top sturgeon farm partners around the world.
Together, they share a restless work ethic, a deep respect for their communities, and a desire to make memorable experiences for their customers.
a sustainable approach
With a mission to support sustainable farming and provide high-quality caviar, Regiis Ova has partnered with the finest sturgeon farms in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. The relationships Shaoching has cultivated with the farmers are unique and rare. "We hand-pick our caviar directly from the best sources of our sturgeon farm partners."
“The sturgeon farms we work with strictly adhere to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora,” Bishop mentions in an interview with Afar. This ensures that “the conservation of sturgeon and adequate labeling for each tin is enforced to deter the selling of illegal, wild caviar and allows the ability to trace each tin to a specific fish.” She goes on to give an example of how their partner in Asia promotes healthy sturgeon populations by releasing millions of juveniles into the wild or how their partner in South America uses local krill fish as feed, which is more sustainable than buying it internationally.
The team spent months visiting and sourcing from all the finest caviar farms around the world—a highly selective process wherein only a handful of sturgeon farms pass muster. The repacking process in Napa Valley is thorough, with a great deal of care and attention. Each tin is packed to order with the customer in mind. Curious about their line of products? Explore their shop here.
a luxurious experience
The ultimate caviar experience can be found at The Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge in Yountville, California, where you can explore the delightful nuances between their caviar offerings and celebrate with a glass of bubbles.
Their menu showcases small plates meant to be enjoyed with prestigious Champagne offerings. Servers help curate the experience, suggesting caviar pairings based on flavor and texture. Menu favorites include Daniel Boulud Smoked Salmon with Meyer lemon schmear and bagel wafers, as well as caviar flights for those seeking to make their experience educational.
All varieties of Regiis Ova caviar can be purchased by the gram or sampled on mother-of-pearl spoons via a tasting. Akin to a wine flight, the tasting comes with traditional caviar garnishes and blinis. “The different species result in a varied selection of caviars, each imparting a unique flavor profile, texture, firmness, and color,” says Bishop.
If you are planning a trip to Napa and want to visit a celebratory destination, look no further. Learn more about The Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge here.
Join Us
Treat yourself to an indulgent experience and add elegant Regiis Ova caviar offerings when you join us on your next wine tasting.
