Rare and Expensive Food – Big Spenders

April 2, 2012

Many people today complain about the rising cost of food.  But if you are a wealthy person who has developed a taste for rare and exotic foods, you may find that your wallet has been disproportionately affected.  Consider that a Hong Kong real estate tycoon and his wife recently paid $160,406.00 for an Italian White Alba Truffle.  Admittedly it was big for a truffle, weighing in at 1.51 kilograms.  And, it must be noted that these delicacies are notoriously difficult to cultivate.  Still, it was an extravagant price to pay for a few heavenly bites of this “king of the fungi!”

Almas caviar is also rare and expensive.  This highly desirable caviar is pale amber and only comes from sturgeons that are between sixty and one hundred years old.  The only known retail outlet for this caviar is Caviar House and Prunier located in London, England.  At the Caviar House, a kilo of Almas Caviar is sold in a 24-carat gold tin for $25,000.  It’s felt that the container that holds this delicacy should be as exclusive as the delicacy itself.  One can also eat dinner at the Caviar House and Prunier.  It’s billed as the most expensive meal in all of Great Britain!

In New York City, a “Pizza Royale 007” can be yours for $4,200.00.  It may only be twelve inches wide, but this “slice of exotica” is loaded with costly toppings.  This unique pizza features lobster meat marinated in cognac, caviar soaked in champagne, Scottish smoked salmon, prosciutto, venison medallions, and a traditional tomato sauce.  Vintage balsamic vinegar is poured over all of this and the whole thing is covered with edible 24-carat gold flakes.  Those who have tried it describe it as “lip-smacking” good!

And for those who want to sample true decadence, how about a $1000.00 bagel? A master chef for the Westin Hotel in New York City created this extravagance.  It’s a typical bagel spread with a white truffle cream cheese.  The white truffles that are used are only found underground near specific oak trees in the vicinity of Alba, Italy. These truffles are difficult to find, and specially trained dogs and pigs are used to locate them. Next to caviar, they are the most expensive food in the world.  This white truffle cream cheese is then topped with goji berry Riesling jelly, to make an irresistible treat.  Many people have been known to fork over $1,000.00 to relish this taste extravaganza, and not one of them has expressed any regrets!