At any given moment, a refrigerator holds more than just ingredients; it tells a story. What we keep on hand, what we reach for late at night, what we save for “just in case”, these small decisions reveal how we cook, eat, and live. In our new series, What’s In Your Fridge, we’re taking a look inside the fridges of the Great Performances universe, one shelf at a time.
This time, we’re peeking inside the fridge of Niki Russ Federman, Fourth Generation Owner of Russ & Daughters and one of our longtime culinary partners. For Niki, food is inseparable from family, tradition, and the rhythms of everyday life. Her fridge holds a mix of farmers market staples, ingredients that spark new ideas, and beloved Russ & Daughters favorites that have been passed from one generation to the next. Together, they tell a story of heritage, hospitality, and a deep appreciation for foods made with care. Here’s what she’s keeping close right now.
What ingredient do you always keep on hand just in case?
I always have eggs on hand for any number of uses. I love going to the Grand Army Plaza farmers market and getting them from Tello’s Farm. Farm fresh eggs really do make a difference.
What’s currently in your fridge that’s inspiring your next recipe idea?
White miso paste. I bought some for one recipe and now I have a lot left over. It lasts a really long time and it adds such umami to any sauce marinade or dressing you use it for.
What’s your go-to late night fridge raid?
I actually love having yogurt as my late-night snack. My husband introduced me to a yogurt from Armenia that I love. I’ll add some honey or sugar and mix in either dried fruits or fresh fruit. That small amount of sweetness feel like a late-night indulgence without going to bed feeling stuffed.
If extended family stop by unannounced, what would you offer them from your fridge?
Anything from Russ & Daughters. Anytime I have friends or relatives or visitors from out of town coming over. I know what they really want is Russ & Daughters. If I don’t bring bagels or bialys home from my bakery, it’s okay because I always keep some in the freezer or a box of bagel chips in the pantry. It makes it really easy to put together a brunch or spread.
What’s the most you item in your fridge right now?
Beurre Bordier. It’s a butter from the Brittany region that’s made by hand and shaped with paddles. The one I have right now in my fridge has buckwheat in the butter. There’s no other butter I’ve ever found that taste this good. Whenever I go to France, I bring back at least 4 blocks of butter in my suitcase. For me, they’re more like blocks of gold.
What’s a fridge item that connects you directly to your roots or upbringing?
I always have something from Russ & Daughters in the fridge. It connects me to my family and my work, which are intertwined. Lately, my 14-year-old daughter has been asking me to bring home pickles. A couple times a week, my 9 year old son wants bagels and lox for lunch at school. His order is an everything bagel, plain cream cheese, smoked salmon and capers. He also loves having blintzes for breakfast. I’ll bring home an 8-pack of blintzes from work. In the morning, he’ll brown them in the pan himself and then tops them off with jam and a glass of milk. Regardless of what my kids decide to do with their professional lives, it makes so happy to know that my kids love our food.
What's In Your Fridge?
We’re always curious what’s behind the (fridge) door.
From chefs and farmers to partners and friends across the Great Performances community, every fridge has a story to tell—full of staples, surprises, and the ingredients that make each kitchen unique.
Want to be featured in a future edition of What’s In Your Fridge?
Send us a photo of your fridge along with your answers to these questions—we’d love to take a peek inside.
