Here are handful of shots from a fantastically tasty shoot that I did of NYC's Petrossian Cafe' and it's junior namesake, Alexandre Petrossian. The Petrossian name is practically synonymous with caviar in the west, as they were the first to introduce it to Paris in the 1920's. They are the founders of the company that today is the premier buyer and importer of Russian caviar worldwide. It's a beautiful and tasteful cafe', and Alexandre is a wonderful host, and a great guy, as well.
I've never been much in love with caviar, and that's probably because any caviar that I'd tasted before this shoot was just not the 'real' thing. At least not 'The' real thing. So, after completely enjoying myself shooting the interior -- I used Nikon's new 45mm PC-E (perspective control) lens, which gives most of the same functions as a real 4x5 architectural rig -- I was invited by Alexandre to sample some of their finest caviar. And FINE it was, as I still can't forget the delicious complexity of its taste. I grew up on a sailboat, and I swear it reminded me of the sea more than being on a beach. It made me think of the open water, and the air that is totally peculiar to it -- very unlike the shore, with its smell of seaweed, or worse, if you live in NYC.
It was a real learning experience, as well, as I was educated by Alexandre on some of the finer points of the food. For instance, it's many different types, the fact that it is best served with gold utensils; because contact with silver creates a chemical effect that spoils the caviar's taste, and other tasty tidbits of information.
All-in-all a fantastic shoot.
