The Caesar salad is hardly Roman — the dish was born in Mexico, after all — but its reign is undeniable. Crisp romaine, sharp cheese, garlicky dressing and a little anchovy swagger: Nail those elements, and the Caesar becomes more than a starter; it becomes the reason you came.
Then cast these elements in a whole new light, and it becomes a game-changer. These three Twin Cities Caesars, with their balance of bold and bright, crunchy and creamy, take the crown.
Lynette
A full fork and knife salad, Lynette’s modern play on the classic hits all the right comfort notes while bringing new twists to the party. Whole romaine leaves are dressed in a creamy concoction with fish sauce swapped in for the traditional anchovy. It’s the backbone of the dressing that balances with freshly grated Parmesan and the bright acidity of lemon. A soft-boiled egg that’s panko-battered before a quick fry is an upgrade on croutons.
$17 whole (half-size pictured). 3753 42nd Av. S., Mpls., lynettemn.com
Black Duck
Chef/owner Jason Sawicki’s smoker comes into play in the unlikeliest of places, the salad course, at this northeast Minneapolis hotspot. This Caesar is a well-dressed vehicle for deeply savory smoked whitefish, a decidedly lake country spin on the job of traditional anchovies. A showering of toasted breadcrumbs gives the whole pile of romaine a good crunch.
$16.50; 2900 NE. Johnson St., Mpls., blackduckmpls.com
Giulia
Perfectly balanced in both pucker and a little funk, the anchovy and pepperoncini vinaigrette on Giulia’s Caesar are what turn this salad from green obligation to the kind of dish you want to be your main course. Housemade focaccia is the foundation for large torn pieces of crunchy croutons. While there, go ahead and explore more of the lively Italian menu in the Emery hotel’s soaring dining room.
$15; 215 S. 4th St., Mpls., dinegiulia.com
