Chew on this

Beware Caesar...Cardini?

 

 

 

Beware the Ides of March Caesar. Today is the day some of us history buffs and Shakespeare fanatics feel a bit stabby. Puns, jokes, and yes even memes are becoming popular for this day, the 15th of March. But before you go posting that hilarious photo of one of your kitchen knives through a bottle of Caesar dressing I suggest you chew on this.

 

The true origin of the caesar salad does not come from Rome or Roman Emperors.  It actually was created in 1924 by an Italian immigrant in Tijuana, Mexico by the name of Caesar Cardini. The headstrong entrepreneur opened a restaurant in the destination hot spot to attract American tourists during prohibition. Soon after prohibition, the dish would find its way to the United States.

 

Two instances surface regarding the exact story of how the iconic dish came to be. One story suggests Caesar, being in a panic to serve food for late guests created the dish from the ingredients he had left from the busy day. The other suggests aviators entered the restraunt needing the similar fair, and the salad was shortly named aviators salad. Ultimately because the dish was only attainable at Caesar's, the salad soon gained it's popular name Caesar's salad.

 

Something as simple as egg yolk, anchovies,  garlic, dijon mustard, and olive oil emulsed together became craved by Julia Child herself. It's said she visited the restraunt just to eat the famed salad and years later requested the recipe from Caesar's daughter for her cook book.

 

Traditionally,  the dressing is tossed over romane leaves with grated parmesan cheese and savory crouton. Nevermind the fork ladies. Be prepared to ruin your manicure, because it was fashionable and appropriate to eat the salad with your fingers.

 

So what's a cultured creature to do during the Ides of March? Personally I'd say enjoy the salad and read or watch a rendition of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar anyway. It's even more satisfying knowing you share the same eccentric tastes of the roaring 20's.

 

For more information about Shakespeare, Julia Child,  the roaring 20's, or prohibition use your smart phone for something besides social media OR simply visit your local library.

 

And as always , eat your history.