Caesar salad, a beloved culinary creation, is set to mark its 100th anniversary this month. It was on July 4, 1924, that Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini, owner of Caesar's Place in Tijuana, Mexico, first invented the iconic dish. The creation of this flavorful salad was a result of Cardini's need to cater to an influx of Californians who sought refuge from Prohibition.

In the midst of a bustling dining room, Cardini ingeniously combined whole Romaine leaves with various ingredients he had on hand. This included a delectable mixture of garlic-flavored oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemons, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. The Caesar salad was an instant success, rapidly gaining popularity among diners.

To honor this momentous occasion, Tijuana plans to commemorate the salad's centennial with a lively three-day food and wine festival. As part of the celebration, a statue of the visionary chef, Cardini, will be unveiled. Additionally, Caesar's, the elegant restaurant Cardini later established in Tijuana, continues to prepare and serve up to 300 Caesar salads each day, demonstrating the enduring popularity of this culinary masterpiece.

In a world where food trends come and go, the Caesar salad has stood the test of time. While other dishes from the early 20th century have faded into obscurity, this classic salad remains a perennial favorite. According to restaurant consulting firm Technomic, approximately 35% of restaurants across the United States feature Caesar salad on their menus.

Furthermore, the enduring appeal of Caesar salad is reflected in the staggering sales figures of its dressing. Nielsen IQ reports that nearly 43 million bottles of Caesar salad dressing, valued at a remarkable $150 million, were sold in the United States over the past year. This impressive demand showcases the unwavering love for the tangy dressing that perfectly complements the crisp and fresh ingredients of the salad.

As we celebrate a century of Caesar salad, it is clear that this culinary creation has secured its place in gastronomic history. From its humble beginnings in Cardini's restaurant in Tijuana to becoming a staple in restaurants and homes across the nation, the Caesar salad continues to bring joy and satisfaction to millions of people. This enduring classic shows no signs of fading away, leaving us eager to witness what the next 100 years will bring for this beloved dish.