Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Celebrate caesar

CALGARY -- Caesar is being celebrated at a Calgary hotel. The drink -- not the man -- is the focus of events at the Westin Calgary, which claims to be the site where the caesar cocktail was invented 40 years ago.

The hotel has created a weekend package to mark the milestone and "savour all that is caesar."

Starting at $199 per night, it includes accommodation for two adults, caesar cocktails, caesar-inspired appetizers and a caesar-inspired breakfast in bed.

In 1969, bartender Walter Chell created the caesar -- a blend of vodka, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, tomato juice and clam broth -- at the hotel, according to a news release.

"We like to think the caesar is regarded as a unique Canadian national treasure," said Ross Meredith, Westin Calgary's general manager.

Also, during May the hotel's Essence restaurant is featuring a caesar-themed menu that includes caesar bolognese, caesar corn dogs with spicy lime sauce, and, for breakfast, caesar benedict featuring Clamato-poached eggs.