Caesar and I go WAY back… Actually, we were first introduced to each other in a small Italian restaurant in Livonia when I was a young, aspiring cook in the late 60s.

I must admit, Caesar took a little while to get used to. And that anchovy thing… Well, that was another hurdle. But the friendship grew as over and over, Caesar kept re-appearing at every cooking school or restaurant I ate or worked at. Over time, I learned a LOT about Caesar and I began to appreciate just how special and just how wonderfully delicious this classic SALAD really is.

Among my greatest Caesar teachers were two gentlemen, both of whom made this iconic salad better than anyone I’ve ever known. Ironically, neither were chefs, but rather a waiter (later to become a restaurateur) and a maitre d. Their names were Monsieur Joseph, who reigned at the Michigan Inn’s Benchmark Restaurant (long since gone), and Manuel Chavez, whose Caesar I first tasted at the London Chop House in the early 70s, then later at Ristorante di Modesta in Southfield.

You may think it’s odd that the two best Caesar Salads I’ve ever eaten were not made or taught to me by chefs. Interestingly enough, the originator of the Caesar himself (Cesare Cardini) was primarily a front-of-the-house man and restaurateur. In those days, Caesar Salad was more often than not prepared tableside in the better restaurants.

Nowadays, you rarely see this magnificent salad prepared tableside. It’s not only a lost art, but it’s also time consuming. Besides, so many people have gotten used to a commercially bottled one that many wouldn’t appreciate the real thing if they tasted it. Having said that, in my mind, the best commercially bottled Caesar salad dressing on the market is Caesar’s own Cardini’s Caesar Dressing®, which Caesar left the restaurant business in the late 40s to trademark and distribute. And, of course, we sell it at Nino Salvaggio’s!

So, what makes a GREAT Caesar? Not surprisingly, it’s great ingredients, fresh ingredients…and BIG flavors. But there are a couple secrets, too.

First of all, a GREAT Caesar dressing has a spicy, slightly hot kick that comes from smooth, hot Pomeroy or Dijon mustard. The olive oil should be a high-quality extra-virgin, and the cheese should be freshly (and I really mean freshly) grated Reggiano Parmesan cheese. Buy a high-quality anchovy packed in olive oil, too.

Needless to say, the rest of the ingredients, from garlic to lemon juice, HAVE to be mashed and freshly squeezed. Nothing from a jar or bottle. Well, except the Tabasco. The lettuce? Use only fresh-torn Romaine, both green and hearts will do. NO limp outer leaves. It should be triple washed, spun and ice-cold crisp!

The croutons can’t be overlooked either. The BEST are made from Italian bread and rather large. About ¾” x ¾” is just about perfect. Tossed in garlic, salt, pepper and clarified butter, then baked until golden brown, croutons are an undeniable crowning essential to make Caesar a star. The final two things that finish a Caesar give it an additional kick. They are shaved, FRESH Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper (medium coarse, not too fine) right from the peppermill onto the salad.

Hungry? Ready to try one of the BEST Caesar salads you’ve ever had? I’m here to help. Thankfully, you don’t need an old-fashioned wooden bowl and fork to mash and mix your ingredients into a smooth dressing. A food processor will work just fine (and spare your wrist).

Lastly, a couple of tips/options:

• If you’re concerned about using raw eggs in your dressing, Nino’s sells pasteurized whole eggs, right in their shells. No worries, no health concerns.
• Adding grated Parmesan cheese to this dressing is optional. Likewise, there are those who add a pinch of sugar to soften the acidity of the lemon juice.
• Don’t go cheap on the olive oil. Use something of good quality and something FRESH. It makes a HUGE difference.
• Croutons? Nino’s has a number of flavors of large croutons just perfect for your salad. And, of course, fabulous romaine!
• Once you’ve made your dressing, it is tradition to toss the dressing, Romaine AND croutons together. Plate, then additionally garnish with pepper and Parmesan cheese.

2 Medium                          Garlic Cloves, Chopped

4 ea                                 Anchovy Fillets, Chopped

2 ea                                 Eggs, Extra-Large (raw)

2 TBSP                            Pomeroy or Dijon Mustard, Smooth, Hot

1 tsp                                Worcestershire Sauce

1/4 tsp                             Ground Black Pepper

2 Dashes                         Tabasco® Sauce

3 TBSP                            Lemon Juice

1 Cup                              Olive Oil (Extra-Virgin)

2 TBSP                            Parmesan Cheese, Grated (Optional)

To Taste                          Kosher Salt

1. In a small food processor, puree chopped garlic and anchovies. Add eggs, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and Tabasco® sauce, and blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Continue to blend while adding oil and lemon juice alternately in a slow, steady stream until all is used.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese (optional) and salt to taste.