Food Encyclopedia

beggar's purse

The name for an appetizer made popular by Barry and Susan Wine at their New York restaurant, the Quilted Giraffe. A beggar's purse consists of a mini crêpe topped by a teaspoon of the finest caviar and then a dab of crème fraiche. The edges of the crêpe are pulled up in pleats around the filling and securely tied with a chive. The ruffle at the top makes this edible package look like a miniature purse. Beggar's purses are served at room temperature.