For chefs, the quality and source of ingredients are critical. At Taste & Class, led by Deborah Abramoff and her father Thierry Abramoff, this principle is taken seriously. As the third and fourth generations of their family running the business, they continue a long-standing tradition of excellence, providing top-of-the-line saffron, vanilla, vinegars, olives and mustards. We caught up with Thierry to hear about the company’s commitment to exceptional ingredients, its rich family heritage, and the passion behind their work.
Let’s start with your family history. How has your heritage shaped Taste & Class?
Thierry: In 1928 my grandfather left everything behind in Russia and moved to Paris. Following the move, he took his passion and curiosity around different kinds of food and opened a grocery, soon growing the business to three stores. It was a true family business and everyone was on deck, my grandfather, grandmother, and the kids.
In elementary school I grew up playing in our huge family warehouse with my grandfather and my father. This is where my knowledge of all the products started and where this business was ingrained in me as a person.
Our business is a legacy that has been passed down through generations. Each family member who joins the business is steeped in our history, learning about the intricate details of our products from a young age, just as I did. This continuity ensures that the knowledge and passion for our products are preserved.
So you always knew you’d be a part of the family business?
Thierry: Yes, I officially joined the business in 1969. In the in the daytime, I was a warehouse man. At night, I was going to law school. And you know, after spending time around attorneys, I told my father I’d rather be an honest businessperson than an attorney.
In 1999, I moved to the United States and began to rebuild Taste & Class here. But you know, it was really rebuilding myself and becoming part of this great country, which soon became my country. So, I pledge allegiance to the flag. And I’m proud of it!
In 2006 my daughter Deborah joined the company as the 1st female generation to lead Taste & Class, and her two sisters joined her several years later.
What makes Taste & Class stand out in the industry?
Thierry: Our dedication to authenticity and quality is unparalleled. We don’t just sell products; we connect with their origins. We work with our suppliers as a team. Next week, Deborah will be traveling to Spain to ensure our saffron’s quality and sustainability firsthand. We’re not just maintaining standards; we’re actively improving them, ensuring that our chefs always receive the best.
Our products are premium quality and we have large inventory, which means there is no lead time for chefs and no product shortages.
How do you maintain the high standards of your products?
Thierry: With every order we put our reputation and your trust at stake. Every pallet is important. Every product we send out is a testament to our reputation. We painstakingly ensure that each batch meets our quality controls. This might seem excessive to some, but to us, it’s about respecting our products and our clients. We have to be very, very, very picky to ensure full satisfaction to your chefs.
Finally, any message you would like to share with the chefs who use your products?
Thierry: Each order you place with us carries our family’s legacy and commitment. We appreciate your trust and aim to continue providing products that meet your high standards. Our goal is to be part of your kitchen’s success story.
Taste & Class Premium Products
Pure Spanish Saffron
This saffron’s strong coloring and fragrance means chefs can use a smaller quantity of this Pure Spanish Saffron. Higher yield means lowers cost per unit served.
Item #97129 – .25g
Item #97113 – 1 oz tin
Saffron is the most expensive spice, often referred to as edible gold. Why is it so expensive? Saffron is derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Each flower only produces three stigmas, which must be carefully picked by hand. It takes about 75,000 saffron crocus flowers to produce a single pound of saffron spice. There is a lot of adulterated saffron and even fake saffron on the market, so buying 100% pure saffron from a trusted source is incredibly important.
Select Natural Greek Olives in Brine
Pitted Kalamata Olives – These olives are from the Kalamata region of Greece and are firm to medium soft/rich and fruity in flavor. 8.8 lb Item #95508 OR 8.8lb cs Item #98892
Pitted Country Mix Olives – A mix of Kalamata, Ionian green, Amfissa and Atlantic olives with spices. 8.8 lb tub Item #95503 OR 2/8.8lb cs Item #98905
Maître Pierre & Moutardier à Dijon Premium Mustards
Whole Grain Mustard – A pleasant and very sweet mustard that acquired its flavor as a result of the maceration of the whole mustard seeds in the cider vinegar. It marvelously accompanies white meats, and is also used for vinaigrettes. 7 oz jar Item #95106 / 12X7OZ CS Item #95213
11 lb tub Item #95107 / 2×11 lb cs Item #98910
Dijon Mustard – Characterized by its very high mustard seed content, this mustard assures a powerful and hot taste.7 oz jar Item #95212 / 12/7oz cs Item #95211
11 lb tub Item #95102 / 2×11 lb cs Item #98909
Gourmet Bourbon Madagascar Vanilla Products
Vanilla Beans – Whole vanilla beans – 8 oz pk item #97128 OR 2 count item #97127
Vanilla Paste – The convenience of extract with visible vanilla seeds. Made with a bourbon base.quart – Item #90227 OR 12 qt cs item #90550
Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract, made with bourbon vanilla beans, ready to be added to baked goods, ice cream and any other application where the full flavor of vanilla is desired. quart Item #93209 OR 12 qt cs Item #93221
Vinegars
Taste & Class has French Clovis and Italian Antichi Colli full flavored vinegars, that masterfully enhance dishes. The higher quality of these vinegars leads to the ability to use less, therefore yielding a lower cost per unit served.
Aged Red Wine Vinegar: 7º
Produced with wines selected for their full bouquet and ruby color, the Red Wine Vinegar is aged 6 months to acquire its woody notes. Its full bouquet adds flavor to salads.
5L Item #97331 / 2/5L CS Item #97330
Raspberry Vinegar: 7º
Great Classic, adding the tannic strength of Red Wine Vinegar to the fruity sweetness of
Raspberry. This vinegar shines in seasoning of mixed salads, including fruit salads, and
deglazing calf’s livers, duck steaklets or gizzards.
2/5L Item #94128
Champagne Vinegar: 7º
The Champagne vinegar is a great Specialty of the Clovis range made with “vins de dégorgement” from Champagne wines. Its unique smoothness and its full bouquet make it an exceptional product on the market. It is appropriate for all types of seasonings, vinaigrettes and sauces.
5L JUG Item #97315 / 2/5L CS Item #98906
Tarragon Vinegar: 7º
In addition to White Wine Vinegar, a bouquet of Tarragon spreads its fragrances from Provence. It is the ideal vinegar for summer salads with tomatoes, olives or tuna. It is a perfect match with olive oil.
5L JUG Item #97302 / 2/5L CS Item #97391
White Wine Vinegar: 7º
Brilliant vinegar, very soft and fruity. It will enhance dishes of fish and seafood; Perfect to set amazing “sauces au beurre Blanc”.
5L JUG Item #97333 / 2/5L CS Item #98911
Normandy Apple Cider Vinegar: 5º
Only made from Normandy Cider. Classy vinegar to enhance chicken, pork and veal.
5L JUG Item #97379 / 2/5L CS Item #97378
Aged Sherry Vinegar: 7º
From Spanish Wines aged in oak barrels. Pairs wells with Walnut oil or Hazelnut oil for vinaigrettes.
5L JUG Item #97375 / 2X5L CS Item #97374
Red Balsamic Vinegar 6º
Boasts a subtle preference for acidity over sweetness. Ideal for salads, vinaigrette, and various dressings infusing an aromatic hit of sweetness into dishes.
2X5 LITER Item #98903 5 LITER EACH Item #97303
Antichi Colli Modena, Italy Balsamic Glazes
Fig Balsamic Glaze – Made with Balsamic vinegar of Modena PGI enriched with fig juice and Italian cooked grape must. No sugars added.12/8.25 OZ Item #23208
Truffle Balsamic Glaze – Made with Balsamic vinegar of Modena PGI and enriched with truffle aroma and Italian cooked grape must. No sugars added.12/8.45 OZ Item #23209
*All products may not be available in each region. Please check the app or reach out to your customer advocate for availability.
