Let’s celebrate the centenary of the iconic Caesar salad
🥗 Caesar Salad: A Centenary Celebration 🎉
Origins and Creation 🌟
The Caesar salad was invented in 1924 by Italian chef Cesar Cardini at his restaurant, Caesar’s, in Tijuana, Mexico.
Cardini, an immigrant who operated restaurants in both Mexico and the United States, created the salad during a Fourth of July rush when the kitchen’s supplies were depleted.
Facing a shortage of ingredients, Cardini improvised by tossing together romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and coddled eggs.
The salad was originally prepared tableside, adding a dramatic flair to its presentation.
Classic Recipe 📋
The timeless Caesar salad consists of:
- 🥬 Romaine lettuce
- 🥖 Croutons
- 🧀 Parmesan cheese
- 🍋 Lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 🫒 Olive oil
- 🐟 Worcestershire sauce
- 🧄 Garlic
- 🌶️ Dijon mustard
- 🥚 Hard-boiled egg
- 🧂 Black pepper
These ingredients are tossed together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Efraín Montoya, the current “master salad maker” at Caesar’s restaurant, continues to prepare the salad in the same traditional way as it was done 100 years ago.
Evolution and Universality 🌎
Over the past century, variations of the Caesar salad have emerged, incorporating new ingredients such as anchovies. Claudio Poblete, author of a book celebrating the centenary, emphasizes that the salad’s enduring appeal lies in its use of essential elements from the human diet: olive oil, cheese, and lettuce. The Caesar salad has become a universal favorite, gracing menus in bistros across Paris and beachfront terraces in Miami.
Tijuana: A City of Contrasts 🌆
Tijuana, located on the Mexico-United States border, is a bustling city known for its vibrant culture and unique challenges. Immortalized in a song by Manu Chao, it’s a place where tequila, sex, and marijuana intersect. Despite its allure, Tijuana also faces significant dangers, with a high homicide rate. The Caesar salad, born here a century ago, remains a symbol of both culinary creativity and resilience in this dynamic city.
Fun Fact 🤓
Just a few hundred miles away, Ciudad Juarez claims the birth of another iconic drink — the margarita, a tequila-based cocktail.
Remember, the Caesar salad’s legacy transcends borders, and its simple yet flavorful combination continues to delight taste buds around the world!