Tableside Salad Preparation

Although the practice is less popular today, tableside preparation of simple salads is a classic way to create excitement and present a high-quality product at the same time. In North America, tableside salad making is most commonly associated with the Caesar salad. However, in European restaurants the after-entrée salad is often presented in this manner. Greens, dressing ingredients, and garnishes are wheeled to the table on a gueridon [GEH-ree-don], or service cart. Guests may confer with the captain as to the type of oils, vinegars, and seasonings used in the dressing. The dressing is mixed in the bottom of an attractive wooden salad bowl, and the salad greens are tossed with the dressing before being plated, garnished, and served.