When a pregnancy stretches beyond the due date, many expectant mothers are willing to explore unconventional methods to encourage labor. From castor oil to pineapple, the options can be quite peculiar. However, one dish at Caioti’s Pizza Cafe in Studio City, California, has garnered a reputation: “The Salad.” Women flock to this establishment, convinced that this simple salad holds the key to kickstarting their labor.
Owner Carrie Ladou shared with Buzzfeed that the origins of “The Salad” date back nearly three decades. “A pregnant woman came in, devoured the salad, and soon after, she began having contractions,” she recalls. This incident ignited a persistent urban legend. On any given day, the cafe sees anywhere from five to twenty expectant mothers ordering this dish, while their partners often wait in the wings, looking tired but hopeful.
While Caioti’s Pizza Cafe doesn’t officially claim that “The Salad” will induce contractions, the evidence is hard to ignore. A plaque on the wall celebrates the names of babies who made their grand entrance shortly after their mothers enjoyed this dish. Notably, celebrity chef Jamie Wells even tried the salad and welcomed her daughter, Lily, just two days later.
Those who partake in “The Salad” also get to sign a special guestbook, leaving messages of encouragement for one another or cheeky pleas for their little ones to “GET OUT!” The ingredients are surprisingly straightforward: a generous serving of romaine lettuce, watercress, walnuts, and Gorgonzola cheese. Many speculate that the balsamic basil vinaigrette dressing is the real magic ingredient behind the supposed labor-inducing properties. Some expectant mothers are known to take shots of the dressing in their desperation to trigger delivery.
Unfortunately, for those outside of California, the precise recipe for the dressing remains a closely guarded secret. While the cafe reveals that it includes a blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and various herbs, staff members are bound by confidentiality agreements regarding the exact mixture. Caioti’s also bottles its famous balsamic basil dressing for sale, though it seems their online shop is currently offline. If you know someone in the Studio City area, a care package could be a thoughtful gesture. And let’s not forget, they also serve delicious pizza!
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In summary, expectant mothers seeking natural ways to induce labor might find themselves enchanted by “The Salad” from Caioti’s Pizza Cafe. While the results may be anecdotal, the supportive atmosphere and community of mothers-to-be add to the allure.