Did you know that the Caesar Salad was invented in Tijuana? And it's celebrating its centennial on July 4th, 2024!
Let's delve into the history of this iconic dish and the fascinating beginnings of the historic Hotel Caesar’s Place.
The Historic Hotel Caesar’s Place opened its doors in December 1930, during a period of significant growth for Tijuana, marked by the construction of various buildings to accommodate the burgeoning tourism demand.
Despite this boom, a visionary Italian named César Cardini decided to establish the hotel, complete with an Italian canteen, restaurant, and courtyard. The restaurant gained fame for its Caesar salad and became a magnet for stars and personalities from around the world who frequented the establishment.
The hotel provided excellent accommodations for the influx of tourists arriving from California and beyond, renowned for its attentive service and top-notch quality, as evidenced by visitors to Hotel Caesar’s Place. César's dream was realized: his establishment became the social, cultural, tourist, and business hub of Tijuana.
The grand inauguration took place on March 14, 1931, featuring a lavish event with a gala dinner and dance. Shortly after, a reception hall was added to host the first International Rotary Club meeting in November 1931, attended by Rotarians from California and Tijuana, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chula Vista and graced by David J. Reese, President of the 2nd District.