Notes on Caesar Salads Worldwide:
Hotel Conservatorium, Amsterdam 07/11
Caesar Salad
Epic in it’s proportions, and perfect in it’s components, this salad far exceeded my expectations – after all, the dreaded “Room Service” salad is often a mediocre affair. This was quite the opposite – a huge plate, loaded with fresh crispy leaves, smooth creamy dressing, a generous dusting of parmesan, and more than enough croutons and anchovy to keep you satisfied. A soft poached egg, and a moist, crispy chicken breast, make this very much a complete meal, and one I’d love to experience again
Dean Street Townhouse, Soho 26/09
Chicken, bacon, and avocado salad.
A bold claim, but one of the best chicken salads in town (other than my own recipe, of course). An unctuous plate of gargantuan proportions (this was, alledgedly, the “small” portion), which didn’t scrimp on dressing, perfectly cooked chicken, little abrasive nuggets of bacon, and plentiful shavings of silky Keens Cheddar on top.
Daylesford Organic Café – Marylebone. 19/09
Organic Daylesford Caesar Bowl
The takeaway chicken Caesar is often a mediocre experience at best, with very few exceptions – The Daylesford Caesar Bowl being one of the most noteable. It has all the hallmarks of a fantastic Caesar – roasted chicken (and plenty of it), a crunchy crouton made from a quality bread, a sauce pungent with anchovy, and lashings of parmesan. The egg is soft boiled and oozes enthusiastically over the crisp leaves, which combined with the dressing makes for a very decadent, delicious salad, perfect if you’re on the go.
OXO Tower, South Bank 17/08
Caesar salad, creamed chicken croquette, smoked anchovies, caper berries.
A genius idea, and a combination of two of my favourite things: Croquettes, and Caesar dressing. A salad in the loosest sense of the word, more an artfully plated set of ingredients, with an enticing combination both flavours and textures, some of which happen to be vegetables. The smoked anchovies were a delicious touch, as were the caperberries. Ultimately though, it was the giant croquette that was the star of the show. Crisp, soft, and generous in size, for what on paper could easily be an unremarkable starter, this “chicken Caesar” did not disappoint.
108 Brasserie, Marylebone 04/08
Classic Caesar salad, chicken, croutons & aged Parmesan
One of my favourites for a local weekday lunch, and a version which is dressed very lightly. The chicken is moist and well seasoned, the croutons are perfect and plentiful. No “twist” here, just a simple, delicious take on this old favourite