THE HOUSE OF

ALTIMA

A Legacy of Luxury

Founded in 2022 by Maribel Alvarez,  Altima Caviar has quickly established itself as the purveyor of the world’s most exclusive and sustainable caviar. Altima Caviar’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing has made Altima Caviar a preferred choice in high-end restaurants, gourmet retail stores, and the most discerning private events. After representing caviar brands for 22 years, Altima Caviar was established. Every year, the esteemed team of caviar experts travel across several countries to build relationships with suppliers and curate the most exquisite caviar.

Maribel runs the House of Altima where her son handles the financial structure, and her daughter manages the marketing. Alvarez loves working with her children and building a legacy together.

Founder – Maribel Alvarez

THE HOUSE OF ALTIMA DREAM TEAM

A women-led triumph in the world of fine dining. With a legacy of excellence and a passion for the exquisite

Alexis Posada-Testrake
Managing Co-Founder

THE ONE THAT: Is torn between marketing and motherhood (and obsessed with both)
Education: George Washington University, Fluent in 3 languages
Random things: Solution seeker (and finder), make-it-pretty-MacGyver, in-house therapist, chameleon, connoisseur of all things aesthetically pleasing
Excluding friends, family & health, 3 things that bring me joy are: “I love my outfit today” feeling – A super authentic compliment – Finding the perfect gift
My favorite Altima Caviar is: The one I had most recently…
 And the experience looks like: fresh snow, sun shining, wine is already served, and I’ve been skiing since the lifts opened.
I can’t get through the workday without: My phone running out of battery
Words to live by: Would you rather be right or would you rather be happy?

Alayna Steinman
COO

THE ONE THAT… Shares caviar as the main event
Education: International Management, Missouri State
Random things: Global Citizen, Music Maven, Caviar for Breakfast,
Solutions Provider, Serial Entrepreneur
Excluding friends, family & health, 3 things that bring me joy are: The sound of waves, 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series win, making breakfast to music on Sunday morning.
My favorite Altima Caviar is: The Gold Reserve
And the experience looks like: pure butter straight from the tub
I can’t get through the workday without: A pot of coffee
Words to live by: I make the music good so you dance.

Gabriella Fasciani
VIP Relations

THE ONE THAT: Makes Things Happen
Education: Digital Marketing & Communications, University of North Florida
Excluding friends, family & health, 3 things that bring me joy are: Getting ready for dinner after a long day tanning on the beach, an extra foamy cappuccino, planning outfits on Pinterest before a trip.
My favorite Altima Caviar is: “Siberian on a potato chip with a glass of wine.”
I can’t get through the workday without: a “fun” drink in the afternoon 
Words to live by: Dream until it’s your reality.

THE HOUSE OF ALTIMA PARTNERED CHEFS

Chef Yann Bernard Lejard

Yann Bernard Lejard, aka YBL, founder of the eccentric culinary art brand Yannesque, has toured the world producing exclusive presentations of his unrepeatable edible art at distinguished hospitality and art establishments in every corner of the globe. His work has gained him widespread recognition as a founder of a new art movement. Yannesque is the melting pot of the best cuisine and art practices from the east and west, having been founded by Yann Bernard Lejard​, currently in Washington DC, USA and previously Director of Culinary and Food & Beverage at Bahrain’s The Ritz-Carlton, whose career in the culinary scene goes all the way back to the birthplace of one of the world’s most sought-after cuisines; France. From an early age, YBL grew fascinated by prolific artists the likes of Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock, who acted as core inspirations for his signature, abstract culinary style in which the food act as ingredients for stunning live paintings. 

Chef Richard Farnabe

Chef Farnabe has worked under Daniel Boulud in Manhattan. Jean-Georges Vongerichten.  Chef Farnabe  helped open Jean-Georges and later made him Chef de Cuisine at Mercer Kitchen.  He was then hired by Tommy Hilfiger as his private chef, simultaneously working as a consultant for Montrachet, and then cooking at Lotus for a celeb-studded crowd. Chef Farnabe opened Prime in Huntington, where he received 5-star diamonds from AAA.. He then took the chef position with Picholine Restaurant and received 2 stars in the 2009 Michelin guide for his efforts. After 5 years as Corporate Executive Chef for the Soho Grand Hotel. Farnabe received the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the most expensive soufflé in the world.

Chef Gwen Le Pape

Chef Gwen Le Pape presides over the kitchen at La Goulue Palm Beach, the sister restaurant to La Goulue in New York City, the French restaurant founded in 1972 by restaurateur Jean Denoyer. A winner of the Food Network’s reality cooking series, “Chopped,” Chef Le Pape has cooked since he was a boy — some of the recipes he prepares are adapted from ones passed down by his mother and grandmother. His grandmother was one of Cordon Bleu’s first female chefs. His career included time spent in England, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Miami and St. Barth’s, working The Kimberly, Django, Jean Georges, Le Bilboquet, Les Halles, the Fortier Group and Les Deux Gamins, among others.

Chef Armando Yagües

Chef Armando Yagües is the owner of Private Chef Palm Beach, a culinary catering and staffing company based in Palm Beach, FL. With over 15 years of experience, PBPC specializes in creating luxurious 5-star gastronomic experiences. The company offers elite private chef services to residences in Palm Beach, New York, Miami, California, Nantucket, and the Hamptons. Chef Yagües has collaborated with culinary icons such as Daniel Boulud, Jean Georges Vongerichten, and David Bouley, and has worked at highly acclaimed restaurants including Le Cirque, Lutèce, and Cafe Boulud. He has had the honor of serving high-profile clients in exclusive event spaces and  luxurious residences around the world.