Charleston Sees a Twist on a Classic: The Timeless Caesar Salad
Charleston, SC – As we step into the dynamic culinary landscape of Charleston, there’s a dish that’s been around for almost a century that continues to capture the hearts and palates of diners: the beloved Caesar salad. Whether you’re a fan of its crisp romaine, garlicky dressing, or the perfect crunch of croutons, this classic salad has certainly stood the test of time, and chefs around town are giving it their unique spins!
Weathering the Storms
But it looks like there may be some unexpected weather brewing outside this evening! So just a heads up, if you’re planning to enjoy a meal outdoors. The forecast predicts a partly cloudy morning but expect scattered thunderstorms to roll in as the day progresses. With temperatures expected to reach a high of 74°F and winds gusting out of the southwest at 10 to 20 mph, there’s a 40% chance of rain. So maybe grab that salad to go instead!
The History Behind the Caesar Salad
Now, let’s dive into the origins of this delightful dish. The Caesar salad was reportedly born in July 1924 in Tijuana, Mexico, by Italian immigrant Césare Cardini. The original recipe, featuring a simple combination of coddled egg, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, didn’t even include anchovies! Over the years, the salad developed into the anchovy-laden version we love today, thanks to Cardini’s second restaurant, Caesar’s, opened in 1926.
Remembering Family Traditions
Local chef Brooks Reitz, owner of popular spots like Leon’s Oyster Shop and Little Jack’s Tavern, fondly recalls his mother’s variation on the Caesar salad which she would whip up during family gatherings. “She’d smash the anchovies, rub the garlic, and mix in fresh lemon juice,” he shares, reminiscing about the “bold flavors” that filled their kitchen. Reitz’s admiration runs deep; he admits he’s had a love affair with this salad for as long as he can remember.
Caesars of Charleston
Now, take a stroll through Charleston, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants showcasing this classic. From Berkeley’s on Rutledge Avenue to Coda Del Pesce on the Isle of Palms, Caesar salads are popping up across menus with different twists. For instance, the Caesar at Berkeley’s is elegantly simple, featuring romaine, pecorino cheese, and croutons, while Melfi’s showcases little gem lettuce with a spicy Calabrian chili dressing.
New Kids on the Block
At Basic Kitchen, chef Charlie Layton has crafted a vegan version of the salad, incorporating capers and sea beans to replicate that salty anchovy flavor, while also leaning into wholesome, local ingredients. “It’s our highest selling salad,” Layton happily reports. Talk about a twist on tradition!
Caesar Salads for the Win
Of course, for the purists out there, it’s hard to resist the classic recipe. If you’re inspired to whip up your own Caesar salad at home, consider this simple yet flavorful dressing: mix garlic, blue cheese, chopped anchovies, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, then whisk it all together. Toss in crisp romaine and finish it off with crunchy croutons and a shower of freshly grated Parmesan. Voila! You’ve got a dining experience worthy of any table.
Stay Tuned!
As we dig deeper into Charleston’s culinary offerings, it’s safe to say that the Caesar salad will remain a staple in our hearts and bellies, continually evolving with each chef that takes a crack at perfecting this timeless dish. So whether it’s storming outside or not, enjoy your salads, Charleston!
For more culinary delights and local happenings, keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the best of Charleston dining experiences!
