Tartare Tasting Station

Every time we serve up this tartare trio chef station, it causes a stir. Curious guests crowded around with much oohing and aahing to watch three different kinds of tartare made right before their eyes. They have questions about this legendary dish, and we have answers.

What is tartare?

Tartare is made from finely diced raw ingredients, typically seafood or beef. Without the benefits of searing or any kind of cooking, the pure flavors of the meat are able to shine through, complemented by bright, savory ingredients like citrus, capers, mustard, herbs, olive oil, or egg yolk. In addition to the traditional steak tartare, our tartare trio station adds a smooth ahi tuna tartare and a vibrant tomato vegetable tartare.

Is raw tartare safe to eat?

Prepared properly by experienced culinary professionals using high-quality ingredients, yes, tartare is safe to eat.

Similar to sushi, carpaccio, oysters on the half shell, Béarnaise sauce, or other foods with raw ingredients, tartare needs to be handled correctly. Tartare requires sourcing premium fresh ingredients and paying strict attention to cleanliness, temperature, and timing.

Why is tartare considered a delicacy?

When it’s done well, tartare highlights top-quality ingredients at their absolute freshest. There’s no hiding under sauces or complicated cooking techniques; it’s just great ingredients at their best. A great tartare is clean, balanced, elegant, and beautifully plated, making it one of the most refined and memorable dishes you can savor.

Another reason tartare is considered a delicacy is because it has an undeniable association with fine dining and culinary craftsmanship. Hand-cut knife work, refined seasoning, artistic plating, and impeccable sourcing all contribute to tartare’s reputation as an elevated culinary experience. At a luxury event, it immediately signals sophistication and attention to detail.

What does tartare taste like?

Many first-time diners expect tartare to taste intensely meaty, but high-quality tartare is usually mild, elegant, and very clean-tasting.

Steak tartare tastes surprisingly rich, delicate, and savory. The flavor depends heavily on the seasoning, but a classic steak tartare usually tastes buttery and tender (from the raw beef), bright and slightly sharp (from mustard, capers, or shallots), salty and umami-rich (from Worcestershire sauce or anchovy), fresh and herbaceous (from parsley or chives), and creamy if topped with egg yolk. With so many complex flavors at play, it’s easy to see why balance and subtlety are crucial in a good tartare.

Texture is also a huge part of the tartare experience. Good tartare is cool and silky, slightly chewy, and soft but not mushy. Serving it with a garnish of toast, fries, or a crisp adds a balancing crunch.

At luxury Culinary Crafts events, tartare is especially striking when served interactively. Our Tartare Trio tasting cart creates a dynamic dining moment that feels both refined and inviting. Guests love the visual contrast, variety of flavors, and sense of discovery that comes with tasting multiple tartare styles side by side.