This week, the iconic Caesar salad turned 100 years old, a milestone that took many by surprise. The salad, a staple on American menus, was actually invented in Tijuana in 1924 by Cesare Cardini, a charismatic Italian restaurateur. The exact details of its origin story are still debated by historians.
For years, I have been trying to recreate the Caesar dressing from a popular Manhattan restaurant, where I used to enjoy a salad daily. Despite my best efforts, my homemade versions never quite matched up. In honor of the Caesar’s centennial, I sought advice from renowned home chef Sam Sifton, who suggested I create my own version instead of trying to replicate a restaurant salad.
After a conversation with Sam, I realized my obsession with recreating the takeout Caesar salad was unnecessary. The experience of hastily eating at my desk was not something to strive for at home. Perhaps it was time to let go of this fruitless quest and focus on creating my own dishes.
In other news, President Biden’s defiant interview with ABC News stirred controversy, with some calling for him to drop out of the race. Masoud Pezeshkian’s unexpected win in Iran’s presidential election and Keir Starmer’s new role as Britain’s prime minister are also major headlines. The U.S. economy added 206,000 jobs last month, and discussions between Israel and Qatar aim to end the conflict in Gaza.
As we enter July, consider trying a refreshing limonada recipe by Gabriella Lewis or adding fresh flowers to brighten up your space. And for those interested in fashion, FX’s “The Bear” menswear has been a hit, while couture week in Paris showcased stunning styles.