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milan — U.S. goaltender Aerin Frankel is no less solid in front of the net for the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team, earning her the nickname “Green Monster” after Fenway Park’s iconic left-field wall.
But her nickname also applies to her love of romaine lettuce.
Frankel is such a big fan of Caesar salad that she has dedicated her entire Instagram account to leafy greens. She’s been posting photos and reviews on @painbyromaine since May 2024, but her passion project will be thrust into the spotlight at the 2026 Winter Olympics, as the U.S. women are scheduled to face Sweden in the semifinals on Monday.
“Honestly, this has been one of my favorite foods for a while now,” Frankel told USA TODAY Sports Friday after Team USA’s 6-0 quarterfinal victory over host Italy.
Frankel said the Caesar Salad account initially “started as a joke” after a friend suggested she document her favorite mixed greens, since Frankel “always orders for the table or to share.”
“A few years ago, I created this account because one of my friends had an Espresso Martini account and I was reviewing Espresso Martinis there,” Frankel said. “She said, ‘You should do the same with Caesar salads. You eat a lot of Caesar salads.'”
Ms. Frankel has tried Caesar salads all over the world, from Nova Scotia to Greece to New York City, so consider her a connoisseur. She said Mortadella Head has the best salad in Boston, where she resides as the starting goaltender for the PWHL’s Boston Fleet, and that Toronto’s Sugo holds the title for best ever.
Frankel has already tried several Caesar salads so far in Milan, and his first review for the 2026 Winter Olympics is scheduled for Saturday. She rated Mags & Co. Cozy Cafe & Bakery 7.8 out of 10, adding that Italy “has really high quality meat and cheese here.” One of the ingredients she has become accustomed to — Italian Caesar dressing.
“The Caesar dressing is very different than what I expected (in Italy), so I’m not denying it, but it’s not your classic Caesar thing,” Frankel said.
The American goalie has started three games and conceded just one goal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but Caesar Salad’s secret account for Caesar Salad is generating just as many headlines. She called the reaction “a little shocking” but “kind of funny.”
“Honestly, this is something I enjoy doing in my free time, so I’m glad people are enjoying it,” Frankel said.
She’s not the only Olympian to show a love for certain foods. Chef Andrew Tolga, an American figure skater, earned the nickname “Pizza King” after eating pizza for 53 days straight. He lists himself as a “pizza ambassador” on his Instagram profile.
Follow Cydney Henderson at @CydHenderson on X
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