The malady: overdue pregnancy. The cure: Caiotti’s Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette Salad Dressing a.k.a. “The Maternity Salad Dressing."
After trying various techniques such as long walks, increased frequency in marital relations, and a bevy of other “remedies," why not try a salad that’s rumored to induce labor?
Since 1993, many expectant mothers have flocked toin Studio City as a last ditch effort to encourage contractions and deliver their long overdue offspring.
“The Salad” was created by the late Ed Ladou, creator and owner of Caiotti’s Pizza Café. The Salad consists of a combination of tossed romaine lettuce and watercress with walnuts and gorgonzola.
Of course, topped with the restaurant’s “Maternity Salad Dressing," it becomes a potent mix known to jump start contractions and induce labor. However, don’t bother asking what’s in the dressing since that is a closely guarded secret. In fact, the kitchen staff themselves have to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Whether this mythical pregnancy inducer works or not, The Salad at Caiotti’s has become the Holy Grail for expectant mothers, anxious to meet their little bundles of joy.
The restaurant even carries a journal with over 20 years worth of entries, testifying to the effectiveness of the salad dressing. These mothers, who deliver what is now known as “salad babies," share this remedy to their friends and other expectant mothers. These word of mouth tales continue to fuel the steady influx of overdue, expectant mothers travelling to Caiotti’s and partaking of this infamous salad.
Caiotti’s has now bottled their famous salad dressing, made available at their online shop at www.maternitysalad.com. According to owner Cindy LaDou, they sell anywhere from 100 to 300 bottles a month.
(Editor's Note: Danrochelle was assigned this story because she is five months pregnant!)
