I wasn't planning on having a Caesar today, but after a hike up Mt. Work and a rather dry protein bar I thought, "why not?" My hiking buddy suggested Pluto's, the diner on Cook Street with a retro feel. I haven't eaten at Pluto's in years so it seemed like a good break from my regular haunts and I was pleasantly surprised by the section of the menu devoted to VARIATIONS ON THE CAESAR. These people are sprechen my language. I ordered my usual gin Caesar and the waitress asked if I meant their house recipe Dill Pickle Caesar, then pointed me to the menu and recommended the Taco Caesar. Time to make a difficult decision. I went with the Taco because I had yet to try a tequila version of the cocktail, but I resolve to go back and try the Dill Pickle. It's also worth noting that the service here was really great. |
The Taco Caesar arrived with minimal fanfare - it was somewhat overshadowed by my friend's maple bacon milkshake that took up two Mason jars. (See picture)
As far as looks go, I like the Mason jar as a glass. I don't want a tiny little drink; I want enough clam/tomato/booze juice to make me feel like I could have just one more and call it a day and I think a full Mason jar is about that much for me. The salt definitely looked more interesting than celery salt which was promising. The garnish appearance was a little sad, but the cheddar cube and jalapeno slice were delish together.
The drink had a more watery taste than the garnish heavy versions which tend to become a meal in a cup. The tequila added a light, refreshing presence overall. After a few sips I tasted the salt rim which turned out to be taco spice.
This was pretty tasty but I think the cocktail would have benefited from more taco seasoning in the drink itself. I also found a jalapeno slice at the bottom of the glass, but the drink wasn't that spicy. The jalapenos seemed pickled, so a splash of pickled jalapeno juice in the drink would have been a welcome way to turn up the heat and add flavour without relying on Tabasco.
Overall it was a nice surprise to get an inventive little cocktail at an unexpected place today. Seven pickled jalapenos out of ten!
As far as looks go, I like the Mason jar as a glass. I don't want a tiny little drink; I want enough clam/tomato/booze juice to make me feel like I could have just one more and call it a day and I think a full Mason jar is about that much for me. The salt definitely looked more interesting than celery salt which was promising. The garnish appearance was a little sad, but the cheddar cube and jalapeno slice were delish together.
The drink had a more watery taste than the garnish heavy versions which tend to become a meal in a cup. The tequila added a light, refreshing presence overall. After a few sips I tasted the salt rim which turned out to be taco spice.
This was pretty tasty but I think the cocktail would have benefited from more taco seasoning in the drink itself. I also found a jalapeno slice at the bottom of the glass, but the drink wasn't that spicy. The jalapenos seemed pickled, so a splash of pickled jalapeno juice in the drink would have been a welcome way to turn up the heat and add flavour without relying on Tabasco.
Overall it was a nice surprise to get an inventive little cocktail at an unexpected place today. Seven pickled jalapenos out of ten!