By Kara Kimbrough
Every now and then, I stumble upon some intriguing food ideas online that really spark my creativity. Here are a couple of highlights from my recent online adventures that caught my eye.
First up is this glamorous celebrity birthday bash. While I’m not a huge fan of the family behind the reality TV show, their extravagant lifestyle always draws my curiosity. Photos from a recent birthday celebration showed a surprisingly elegant dinner setup. Imagine a long table adorned with a simple white cloth and white china. The centerpiece was a delightful mix of white roses, wildflowers, and even red tomatoes still on the vine! The decor managed to be classy and colorful without going overboard, which is rare for this family.
For dinner, they served a Mediterranean feast: salads with arugula, cucumbers, and tomatoes, alongside couscous, stuffed peppers, and piles of fresh pita bread. The main dish looked incredible—thick slices of bread topped with burrata cheese, fresh tomatoes, and something that resembled chicken salad. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to recreate some of that Mediterranean goodness at home.
Thanks to this inspiration, I rummaged through my freezer and found some pita bread. I baked it and paired it with a dip made of sour cream and olive salad, which I already had on hand. It turned out delicious! Mediterranean food is not just tasty; it’s also packed with health benefits, rich in antioxidants, and offers heart-healthy fats.
The next day, I watched a video about the famous 1905 Salad. I was surprised to learn it wasn’t named for the year it was created, but rather, in honor of the year the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa opened. This creative salad originated in the 1940s from a waiter who used leftover ingredients. It later became popular as restaurants began to embrace salad bars. This hearty dish includes a variety of ingredients, making it a fulfilling meal.
Here’s a quick overview of the 1905 Salad recipe:
- 2 heads of iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, cut into eighths
- 1/2 cup deli-sliced ham, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, sliced and cut into strips
- 1/4 cup Spanish olives, chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
Dressing:
- 1/8 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make the salad, toss everything (except Romano cheese) in a large bowl. If the ham and cheese stick together, gently separate them. For the dressing, combine all ingredients in a jar and shake well. Drizzle over the salad, toss, and sprinkle Romano cheese on top. Simple and delicious!
Food trends come and go, but good meals have a way of sticking around. Whether inspired by a celebrity party or a mid-century salad, there’s always something fresh to discover in the culinary world. Who knew the internet could serve up such tasty ideas?
Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.
