The delicious Caesar salad caused a revolution in Tijuana, and for all Tijuana natives, it’s a source of pride to say that this dish was created in the border city. In 2024, the salad celebrated its 100th anniversary, and to this day, chefs have kept the recipe alive since 1924, when it was created by Italian Caesar Cardini.
Influencer Arturo Lemmen, known on social media as “El Arturito,” has been touring Baja California for several days and rating restaurants. A few days ago, he visited Tortas Washmobile and claimed they were “one of his favorite things in Tijuana.” However, not everything has been smooth sailing, as he has already made a few critiques that, rather than being constructive, have shattered the gastronomic hearts of many Tijuana natives.
A few hours ago, Lemmen stated that he visited Caesar’s Restaurant and ordered several dishes including the iconic salad, bone marrow sopes, machaca burritos, spicy octopus, snails, and a couple of beers. Although many of the dishes were to his liking, when it came to the Caesar salad, he said, “It’s hard to say because it’s the original, but it’s not the best to be honest.”
His comments have sparked controversy, considering that this iconic restaurant is part of Tijuana’s culture and remains a key part of the city’s gastronomic identity.
Although he said it wasn’t the best salad, he did say it was a perfect Caesar salad. On the other hand, he mentioned that the rest of the food was very tasty, and that he and others had spent a total of 4,385 pesos.
It should be noted that other users have said how delicious the salad is, with one even pointing out that it’s impossible for the influencer to say the salad doesn’t taste as it should, given that it was created in that very restaurant. Opinions are definitely divided, with many still considering this dish one of their favorites
An Expert Food Critic? Arturo Lemmen Continues Reviewing Baja Californian Restaurants
Arturo Lemmen also visited “La Guerrerense,” sparking another wave of criticism when he claimed that he was disappointed with the flavor of the tostadas, mentioning that there were other better options in the city. He also made it clear that in the world of food, experiences are constantly changing, and what was once exceptional can lose quality or be surpassed by other restaurants.
Caesar Salad: A Favorite of Tijuana
This salad has been delighting palates for decades, and the traditional recipe continues to be a source of pride for Tijuana natives. The lettuce, chopped and dressed with garlic, anchovies, oil, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and lemon has captivated anyone who sits down to enjoy the dish, and it is always accompanied by toasted bread and Parmesan cheese.
Chef Javier Plascencia is the one in charge of preserving the tradition and legacy of this dish, created in 1924, and to this day, the preparation is meticulously respected. Agencia EFE once spoke with the chef, who revealed that his family are “this recipe’s guardians” while underscoring how one of the most important recipes in world cuisine has lasted 100 years.
