Kate Laurensen is a veteran reporter. She started out covering entertainment news for the local city paper before moving up to the City desk. She studied journalism at San Francisco City College for the Arts.
July 6 , 2024
Washington, DC - President Joe Biden recently recounted his role in the creation of the iconic Caesar salad. According to Biden, Chef Caesar Cardini, the Italian immigrant credited with inventing the salad, had been experimenting with various recipes but was dissatisfied with the results. It was Biden, he claims, who suggested the addition of anchovy, a now-common ingredient that has become a staple in many Caesar salad recipes.
The Caesar salad, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this July 4th, was originally created by Caesar Cardini in 1924 at his restaurant, Caesar's Place, in Tijuana, Mexico. The dish was born out of necessity during a busy night when Cardini had to improvise with the ingredients he had on hand to feed a large crowd of American tourists escaping Prohibition.
Biden's anecdote adds a new layer to the already rich history of the Caesar salad. Cardini's original recipe included Romaine lettuce, garlic-infused olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, but notably did not include anchovies. The addition of anchovy paste or fillets to the dressing is a later adaptation that has become popular over time.
The centennial celebration of the Caesar salad has brought renewed interest in its origins and evolution. Tijuana, where the salad was first served, is commemorating the milestone with a three-day food and wine festival, including the unveiling of a statue in honor of Cardini. Despite the many variations of the salad that have emerged over the years, including the use of kale, bacon, and even kimchi, the original creation by Cardini remains a beloved classic.
Beth Forrest, a professor at the Culinary Institute of America, attributes the salad's enduring popularity to its combination of crispy and creamy textures and its umami-rich flavor profile, which appeals to the Western palate. The salad's adaptability has also played a significant role in its longevity, with chefs around the world putting their unique spin on the dish.
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