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Hail, Caesar!
Top Salads in Chicago
Although culinary historians debate the exact origins of the Caesar salad—was it Tijuana, Mexico, or Chicago?—Chicago chefs have taken the original recipe and made it their own.
By Amity Moore Joyce
As things often go with lore, there’s always more than one claim to the “truth.” Such is the case with one of America’s tenured salads: the Caesar. One story goes that in the 1900s, Italian cook Giacomo Junia, who was living in Chicago and working at The New York Cafe, conceived the recipe—a dish of crisp romaine tossed with a dressing made from olive oil, egg and lemon juice and topped with croutons and parmesan cheese—and named it after Julius Caesar. Anchovies define the salad, but whether they were originally part of the dressing or laid on top, has been, well, lost to the ages—and now left to chef interpretation.
A second, and more thoroughly documented story, is that the salad originated at Caesar’s Place in Tijuana, Mexico, in the mid-1920s during Prohibition. Whether it was the owner Caesar Cardini, his partner, Cardini’s brother Alex, or someone who worked in the kitchen who originated the salad, no one seems to know for certain. Regardless of who made it, California celebrities crossing the border to dine and drink alcohol at Caesar’s loved the salad, and word of its popularity—and integral ingredients—spread.
Popular it remains, notably in Chicago, where its roots cling to legend without much evidence and downtown Italian restaurants, steakhouses and American eateries of all service levels serve it with pride. Sit down at these six restaurants to savor the variety, ranging from traditional to interpretative with fun additions, that makes you want to order it again and again.
Ceasar Salad at Lou Malnati’s
AMITY MOORE JOYCE
Lou Malnati’s
Step inside this beloved pizzeria in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, and the delicious smell of deep dish makes your tummy rumble. But that’s not all. Devotees of this AAA-approved eatery rave equally about the Caesar salad. The dressing is made in house, as are the croutons. They get tossed together with chopped romaine and wide shaves of parmesan. No anchovies in sight, but the chopped tomatoes add some surprise color and complement the tangy dressing (which does contain the signature fish).
The Gage Caesar Salad
GAGE HOSPITALITY GROUP
The Gage
Tucked on Michigan Avenue across from Millennium Park, The Gage is the kind of place where 30-somethings gather after work in the bar while their parents and grandparents sit down to a quiet dinner in the back. The menu and the vibe cross generations, as does the AAA Three Diamond restaurant’s more traditional take on the Caesar salad. Romaine leaves tumble together in the center of a white plate, tossed with housemade dressing, sprinkled heavily with thinly shredded parmesan, decorated with focaccia croutons and crowned with six delectably salty anchovies. The generous size can be easily shared by two to three guests.
Miller’s Pub Caesar Salad
miller’s pub
Miller’s Pub
A block and half from The Gage sits Miller’s Pub, a Chicago institution since 1935 that exudes the kind of welcome one would expect from a timber, plaster and wood-shingled exterior. Step beneath the glowing neon sign, through the door and into what feels like an Irish pub—never mind the sound of the rumbling El train that rises above Wabash Avenue. Pop in at lunch or dinner for tavern fare that spans from “world-famous baby back ribs” to meatloaf sandwiches to burgers to Greek-inspired dishes like spanakopita. Miller’s take on Caesar salad is unusual in that it ups the add-on ante with fried capers and prosciutto chips, and the requisite egg comes hardboiled.
Summer House Spicy Kale Caesar Salad
SUMMER HOUSE/David Borzkowski
Summer House
When the skyscrapers make you feel boxed in and the hustle bustle of Chi-town gets to be too much, Summer House, a Santa Monica, California-inspired restaurant brings light, airy spaces punctuated by greenery to whisk you beachside, even if only in your mind. The cuisine perpetuates that feeling of lightness and health, evident in its Spicy Kale Caesar that swaps chopped kale for romaine, adds a touch of hot spice to the freshly made dressing, and tops it all off with grilled slices of that quintessentially California food: avocado. Don’t skip the croutons; they’re unique because they’re made from English muffins.
Enlightened Caesar at Beatrix
BEATRIX
Beatrix
Beatrix, a AAA Three Diamond restaurant in the River North area of city, serves its Caesar in name only. While the eatery broadly recognizes the salad’s foundational elements of lettuce, aged cheese and emulsified dressing, it gives its Enlightened Caesar a distinctive spin. Diners rave about the blend of little gem lettuce, arugula, capers, migas (narrow, bite-sized, Mexican-inspired croutons), Grana Padano cheese and Greek yogurt dressing.
The Fork & Knife Caesar at Maple & Ash, served with style
Maple & Ash
Saving the best for last, the Caesar salad at AAA Four Diamond restaurant Maple & Ash is classically prepared in every way except one: The chef wood fires the romaine. In this steakhouse-and-seafood restaurant of wood paneling, tall ceilings, real flaming taper candles on every clothed table and modern elegance, the Fork & Knife Caesar Salad presents as a halved head of romaine, beautifully charred along the edges. Interior side face up, it acts like a boat holding the signature dressing and is crusted with pecorino and crunchy crouton crumbs. A single two-minute egg is sliced in half, with one half placed on each side of the crispy lettuce. This is another salad best shared, and, as the name suggests, a knife is required.
Discover Chicago attractions, cuisine and culture for the whole family. Visit AAA.com/TripCanvas.
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Exterior of The LaSalle Chicago
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
The LaSalle Chicago
The newest Marriott hotel within The Loop—Chicago’s official downtown and epicenter of culture, shopping and dining—The LaSalle Chicago offers a swank stay that blends modern luxury with classic elegance. Part of the Autograph Collection, the boutique property occupies a historical 21-story Art Deco building.
Guest rooms feature Frette linens, marble bathrooms and 65-inch smart TVs, with wall molding, upholstered headboards and velvety chaise loungers adding a distinctive touch. These thoughtfully curated elements create a tranquil retreat above the city’s buzz.
King guest room, The LaSalle Chicago
The hotel’s restaurant, Grill on 21, specializes in elevated American cuisine, offering premium steaks, fresh seafood and an extensive wine list. In case you were wondering, yes, Caesar salad is on the menu—served traditionally with homemade dressing, parmesan ciabatta croutons, egg, Reggiano and a recommendation to add white anchovies.
With its refined atmosphere and prime location, The LaSalle offers discerning travelers and diners a sophisticated experience in one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Click here to make reservations for The LaSalle
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