100 Years of Caesar Salad: A Tijuana Tradition

[@DesertLifeCooks]

This is on my list of salads that I want to try! I love it! You showed it being made perfectly. I'm glad you went with the anchovies and I'm a little scared of it but I know I'm going to be like you and just Do it! It looks Delicious! I wouldn't know a famous person in person either ha ha! We enjoy watching your videos every week! 🥰💙❤🇲🇽💞👍🏻

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks! I figure anchovies may be gross, but for 100 years they've been in Caesar salads, so there must be a reason! Thanks for watching / commenting!

[@MexPatLife]

Awesome video and spotlight on our local landmark! Thanks, Brighton.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks Dale!

[@mwiebe2663]

I have a dear friend in Ensenada. When I visited her several years ago, she took us to the place where the margarita was invented in 1948 (Bar Andaluz in the Social, Civic and Cultural Centre Riviera) AND the street food cart where Baja fish tacos originated in the 1970s (Tacos Fénix). This was after a day visiting various wineries in the Valle de Guadalupe. It was a spectacular Sunday.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

That's a great day! I have yet to make it to the Valle de Guadalupe - but I drink wine from there all the time!

[@davebacon6194]

Tacos Fenix, best fish tacos in the world!

[@SunnyandHector]

The simplicity of Mexican cooking ❤ I know to some it seems daunting and it like to help with that.

[@katdat1]

My husband made this in honor of the 100 anniversary today using the original recipe.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

That's awesome! Congrats on having a thoughtful/creative husband 👊

[@DestinationRetirement]

That looks so delicious. And next time I make salad dressing, which is often believe it or not, I’m going to do it in my really big wooden bowl.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Homemade salad dressing is so much better than the store bought stuff. Kat makes some once in a while. But it's not something I could do seeing as it doesn't involve a barbecue grill.

[@bajaboy29]

I used to manage the bar at The Latin Room in San Diego. We had all kinds of influential people visit. The owner of Cesar's was a regular. She was really down to Earth. Many places in San Diego also make guacamole table side, too.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Very nice. Table side guacamole - hmmm... I don't think I ever had that. Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@cindyk3076]

What a cool experience! A century-old recipe that still rocks (and is much duplicated) as tasty now as it was then.

[@maricelarooper9558]

Well hello from Oregon. So we will be going to TJ on the 5th. Thanx for the heads up. I’m waiting 2 more years to retire and we will be going to Mexico.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Perfect timing! Congrats on your upcoming retirement. Do you know where in Mexico you'll go?

[@maricelarooper9558]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico thinking Guanajuato

[@jomarielopez2229]

Never have I been there! Wow! The place and the Caesar Salad looks great!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

It’s an experience!

[@racqueljuarez5847]

Ty!! I’m so going!!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

July 5-7 if you can. Big street festival!

[@GaagiiLammers]

History on a plate. Super cool, Brighton!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks Gaagi! I know I have some WhatsApp messages to answer :-) I'm not ignoring you, just being my normal lazy self!

[@GaagiiLammers]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexicono pasa nada, amigo.

[@katwest6505]

Fun!! I wanna go! 🎉

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Next time, I'll bring my wife.

[@kathleenrodriguez7010]

That looked amazing. It's always fun to live a bit of history.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

It really is!

[@erinconway6980]

Brighton, you look great and I love these videos. I am craving an authentic Caesar salad now! Your vids are so informative and fun! Keep up the great work and gracias!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks Erin. This was authentic Mexican food at it's best!

[@RedSpiralHandTV]

4 romaine leaves and a crouton with dressing....$9 please. Wowza. Thanks for sharing. I'll make the recipe here in our RV in Oaxaca, haha.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I think there were 5 romaine leaves 😄. But you pay for the atmosphere and performance. It's like a time travel back to the 1930s.

[@cindyk3076]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Totally worth it, especially in the place where it was invented! (Yes, 5 leaves.)

[@diegodelavega6237]

I had it, and don’t like salads it’s worth it! Worth it trust me

[@ytlongbeach]

it's hand made at your table, and the original recipe at the original place ! worth it.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@ytlongbeach Exactly - it's not just a salad. It's an experience.

[@kocreteify]

OMG Brighton, you just can't stay away from Mexico !! I gotta hook up with you guys this Fall when I go to La Paz. Vids are always entertaining and informative 👍

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yup - and this is actually a current video! I have bunch of videos awaiting editing (dating back 2 years) but this one just happened last Tuesday.

[@MexPatLife]

Welcome to my City. Hope you enjoyed the Salad.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks! Salad was great. If you're in TJ next week maybe we could connect. I'm coming thru on the 10th. Send me an email [e-mail]

[@MexPatLife]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico that's awesome! Yeah. I live here full time and I go between my house in Rosarito and Tijuana. I will shoot you an email.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@MexPatLife Nice - I'll watch my inbox.

[@enriquegutierrez1902]

Brighton Greetings from Yuma Arizona Buen Provecho Brother!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Muchas gracias amigo!

[@doughalldorson8663]

Been there done that and it’s worth it ,great experience thanks for showcasing 😄🌴

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

It really is!

[@fv1291]

Love the music! ❤ Thank you for not saying Tia Juana. 😉 I regret never stopping at Ceasar's on one of my visits. Only three syllables in Wor-ster-sure sauce. 😉

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I learned on this visit that Tijuana is named after Tia Juana! It was on a mural. I recorded a video about mispronunciations ;-) I guess I can add "salsa inglesa" (AKA w-sauce)

[@LillyoftheValleyAZ]

I saw Rita Hayworth. That salad looked delicious!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thank you! I knew there were famous people up there.

[@angelalazo1003]

Wooooo thank so much for the Secar salad

[@dianaj3139]

Last time I was in Tijuana, I was rushing through to get to Rosarito... Didn't stop to try any food or anything. Not long after I noticed a lot of people were making videos on their experiences and regret not taking more time. I do love a good salad with Romaine lettuce as part of it.. But I might have to sneak in some Arugula to spice it up. haha!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I love me some Arugula!

[@dianaj3139]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico It's one of my favorites... But since being in Mexico my next favorite is Papalo a wonderful herb that goes great in Tacos, Beans, soups, or salads! I am going to get seeds now... Love it that much!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@dianaj3139 Hmmm... maybe I'll convince my wife to grow some this winter. Thanks for the tip!

[@hiruu]

That is an amazing experience! I had no idea about it being right there until my amiga took me there.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

So you've been! Very cool. It does not look like something from Tijuana when you're inside.

[@hiruu]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico indeed, about a year and a half ago.

[@amyhollingsworth16]

Love the Caesar Salad at this restaurant Brighton, it's amazing! Not sure why the video says Sardines though? It should say Anchovies. Did you know that the original owner, Caesar was from Italy? Here's the recipe for 4 people; A "saladero" at Caesar's Restaurant, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico demonstrates to A Gringo in Mexico and friends the proper method on making the famous Caesar's Salad. The original salad was made at Restaurante Caesar's by Caesar Cardini in 1927. It is still served there table side today. ORIGINAL CAESAR'S SALAD RECIPE: (From San Diego Union Tribune/Article by Michael Gardiner) Serves 4 20 romaine lettuce leaves 3 tablespoons minced anchovies 3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 egg yolk 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 4 large oven-baked garlic croutons Fresh ground black pepper Clean the romaine lettuce leaves and crisp them in a refrigerator for at least one hour. In a wooden bowl combine the anchovies, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and lime juice and whisk with a wooden paddle until it forms a paste. Once the ingredients are combined, beat in the egg yolk to give the dressing texture. Continue mixing and add the olive oil slowly in a thread until you have reached the desired volume and texture. Add whole romaine lettuce leaves to the bowl and gently roll them until they are coated with the dressing. Serve on a platter and top with the Parmesan cheese and croutons. Add freshly ground pepper to taste.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

My bad. I was thinking anchovies and wrote sardines. Little fish… Thanks for sharing the recipe.

[@davebaker489]

Yummmm. Except for the fish stew of course. But I would ask to try it before saying NO WAY. Could you feel the history ooooozing off the walls. PS Here's to hoping Beryl stays clear of your location. P n D

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

The fish were so ground up I didn't even notice them. I think I was more impressed with the historic feel of the restaurant than the salad. They had 1930's US music playing. It felt like going back in time. Including the price of $9 for a salad big enough for two.

[@bradfogg5812]

Food topics? Now we are talking!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Hah! Good point. I should talk more about food! My problem is that usually when I'm eating, I don't remember to film until my plate is empty and that's not a fun video at that point.

[@Wavewomper]

Check out the La Salina Pickleball Club while you are in the area. Friendly group. Enjoy your videos.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for the tip! I’m headed back to TJ, but I won’t make it south of Playas de Tijuana next week. I hope to make it to that area to the south at some point!

[@janetprincehair4356]

That's cool! I would of thought if was from Rome (Ceasar) originally!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Good guess, but it was just a random Italian guy living in Mexico.

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

hi Brighton, are you sure those were sardines and not anchovies? you did say anchovie but wrote out sardine in the video Text...anyway this looks like great place to visit, very old school. I'll have to stopy by and my next drive down.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Doh! You're right. They were anchovies! Oops.

[@mohgatawfik4009]

Hello, how can I contact you for a possible collaboration?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

[e-mail]

[@roberttuchenhagen6096]

Sanatra

[@roberttuchenhagen6096]

Isn’t Frank Samara dead?

[@davebaker489]

Yes AND I think it would be a bit depressing to see him there in /24.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Well then I'd be in real trouble if Frank bumped into me on the street!

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Hopefully there won't be any pearly gates on that street.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@davebaker489 It's Tijuana. Someone would have stolen the pearls! JK

[@PaulCook67]

I hope they don't put sardines in mine!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

They asked and I thought I'd go for it. They blend them in so you hardly notice.

[@EnlightnMe48]

100 yr old salad? Think they can throw it out by now.🤔

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

It's Mexico - nothing needs to be thrown out. Someone will find a use for it!

[@EnlightnMe48]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico 😄

[@davebacon6194]

did this last year, bar ambience great, salad mucho bad, droopy lettuce, hard croutons, way too much watery dressing

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yeah - I felt the salad was OK. The presentation was good. And the ambience was really great. At least I had crisp lettuce with mine 😀