Packaged Caesar Gets Crunch From Croutons

Wed., June 30, 1999

Rick Bonino Food Editor

It was in Tijuana on a busy July 4, 1924, legend has it, when restaurateur Caesar Cardini, running out of fresh veggies, tossed lettuce together with garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon, eggs and croutons - and created the Caesar salad.

Today’s busy cooks, when they’re running out of time, can toss packaged lettuce together with a box of Cardini’s Caesar Salad Kit, which contains croutons, cheese and dressing.

That’s what we did for members of The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel, who gave the results generally decent marks.

But they weren’t too thrilled with the price tag. Guess they’re not ready to render that much unto a Caesar.

Cardini’s Caesar Salad Kit

Price: $2.29 for 4 ounces (makes 4 servings).

Nutrition: 150 calories (80 percent fat calories); 260 milligrams sodium per serving.

Taste: ***

Value: **

Comments: “Kicky, crunchy, little croutons really add the zing to this typical pre-packaged salad.” - Beverly Smick

“Crunchy croutons, nice cheesy dressing. Grated cheese on top could be a better parmesan flavor.” - Vicki Deschaine

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Packaged Caesar Gets Crunch From Croutons

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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