The most iconic salad in the world has hit the century mark. This unassuming green staple of restaurants the world over is younger than many might guess, and it has no lineage of distant empire.
In fact, the Caesar has no more of a tie to ancient Rome than does an Orange Julius. Well, that's not entirely true--at least the Caesar was invented by an Italian...by way of Tijuana, Mexico.
The salad was created on July 4th, 1924 by Caesar Cardini, a restaurateur with properties in San Diego and Tijuana. Necessity was the mother of invention when Cardini, short on ingredients, threw together what he had on hand, and a legend was born.
The salad is typically made using romaine, lemon juice, olive oil, coddled eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, Parmesan, and black pepper.
Cardini lacked basic supplies because American tourists flocked to Tijuana to escape Prohibition. The salad was initially named the Aviator due to so many Yankees flying in to grab a bite and a few drinks.
Famed foodie Julia Child waxed nostalgic about eating a Caesar at Cardini's restaurant as a child. She noted that the tableside-prepped dish was meant to be picked up by the tips of the whole romaine leaves and eaten with the fingers.
For a great Caesar in New York, try Bernie's in Brooklyn (332 Driggs Ave.), or The Odeon in Manhattan (145 W. Broadway).
