Caesar Salad: The Empress of Salads
The Caesar salad, often referred to in Mediterranean cuisine as the "empress of salads," is a delicious appetizer known worldwide and commonly found on the menu of many Mediterranean restaurants. In today's article, we uncover all the curiosities and stories surrounding the Caesar salad, made with romaine lettuce, chicken, Worcestershire sauce (or similar), tomato, anchovies, egg, and olive oil. Ready?
The Origin of the Caesar Salad
While there are various versions and anecdotes about its invention, many sources agree that the salad originated in Tijuana, Mexico, not Rome. Its creation is credited to the Cardini brothers, Caesar/César and Alessandro, Italian chefs who emigrated to the United States and opened Caesar’s Restaurant near the Mexican border.
In the summer of 1926, an anonymous aviator visited the restaurant, and with a shortage of ingredients, the brothers had to improvise a quick dish. They created a new salad with romaine lettuce and leftovers like tomato, cheese, and chicken, which turned out to be a hit among Hollywood celebrities. Alessandro named the dish in honor of his brother and patented its dressing, called Cardini’s Original Caesar Dressing Mix, though the complete recipe for the dish was never registered.
The First Caesar Salad in History
Interestingly, the first version of the Caesar salad consisted of romaine lettuce leaves cut into strips, which diners used as "forks" to eat with their hands. However, this experiment proved impractical, so it was eventually served as a conventional salad.
Thanks to its popularity, the production of romaine lettuce increased significantly in the United States, making it an accessible and widely available ingredient worldwide.
International Caesar Salad Day
Like other iconic dishes, the Caesar salad has its own international day, celebrated every July 4th. This timing aligns with the peak harvest season for lettuce.
Interestingly, in 1953, the International Society of Epicures in Paris recognized the Caesar salad as "the best recipe to originate in the Americas in 50 years." Additionally, the Caesar salad is featured in the Guinness World Records, thanks to a creation by 160 chefs from Canirac Restaurant in Tijuana, who prepared a salad weighing over three tons.
Salad Critics
Despite its popularity, the Caesar salad has faced challenges. In 1990, the California government banned its consumption due to its inclusion of raw egg, following a salmonella outbreak and health policies of the time. Eight years later, the ban was lifted, and Californians could once again enjoy the dish. During this period, many restaurants opted for egg-free versions, incorporating other ingredients like anchovies.
Caesar Salads with the Lounge Essence of My Way
The Caesar salads at My Way Restaurant stand out for their creamy dressing and smooth texture. We use the freshest ingredients daily to offer you a unique gastronomic experience—a complete dish with an indescribable flavor that will delight all your senses.
One of the most renowned appetizers in Mediterranean cuisine, perfect to enjoy at My Way while relaxing in the ambiance and nighttime essence of Barcelona.
If you want to savor authentic Mediterranean gastronomy, you can’t miss:
- Our most succulent tapas
- Our designer cocktails
See you in the next post!