While representing Team U.S.A. on the ice at the 2026 Winter Olympics, ice hockey player Aerin Frankel is also scoring points off the rink for her love of Caesar salad. Frankel runs a side Instagram account, @painbyromaine, with nearly 6,000 followers, where she reviews Caesar salads from around the world.
Her judging criteria are precise: well-dressed lettuce, generous cheese, and anchovies that complement the dish without overpowering it. Frankel’s reviews show Caesar salad can take many forms, from pizza to hot dogs, demonstrating that the classic dish is as versatile as it is beloved.
Fans of her home team, the Boston Fleet, have embraced her salad passion, creating custom signs and dubbing her the «#1 Caesar Salad Fan» in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. While Frankel has temporarily paused her reviews to focus on Olympic meals, she promises more Caesar content once the Games wrap up.
Lava Cake Becomes the Winter Olympics Must-Have
Food fever at the Olympic Village is not limited to salad. The elusive lava cake has emerged as the Winter Games’ dessert sensation. First shared by Canadian speed skater Courtney Sarault, the rich chocolate treat quickly gained attention among athletes. Hockey player Natalie Spooner, a self-proclaimed «chocolate monster,» rated it 9.1/10, calling it «gooey» and «chocolaty.» Finding the dessert has proven a challenge in Milan, with some athletes trading pins just to taste it.
Critiques of the Olympic Village Menu
Not all athletes have been impressed with the catering. Russian figure skater Gleb Smolkin, representing Georgia with his partner Diana Davis, described the Olympic Village meals as «monotonous,» saying the pasta-heavy menu was making him feel unwell.
Elisabetta Salvadori, head of food and drink for the Games, responded that alternatives such as potatoes, rice and bread are always available. The Village serves 1,500 athletes, offering a variety of options beyond traditional pasta.
Team Uzbekistan also shared a video tour and positive review of the Olympic Village food court.
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