A part of me doesn’t even want to open this can of worms, but having experienced some unfortunate departures as of late, I’d like to point out that a traditional Caprese includes olive oil, mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil exclusively. No pesto. No sun-dried tomatoes. Certainly, no balsamic drizzle.
In the same way, a traditional jambon-beurre is just baguette, thinly sliced ham and good butter. That’s it. Please I beg of you – no mustard. Call me a purist, but there is a reason these items in their original form are recognized as classics. The interplay of their elements exacts a simple perfection, and it’s disappointing to anticipate the experience only to find it mucked up with someone’s random add-on. While I’m not one to stifle creativity, what’s the harm in leaving the extraneous hoo-ha on the side? In other words, let a Caprese be a Caprese.
Also get off of my lawn!
