Team USA‘s women’s hockey team has dominated the preliminary round of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, securing four straight wins with an impressive +19 goal differential. Goalie Aerin Frankel has been a key figure, allowing only one goal while her team tallied 20. Off the ice, Frankel has unexpectedly gained attention for her viral social media account dedicated to reviewing Caesar salads, attracting a rapidly growing following during the Olympics.
The Rise of Aerin Frankel’s Salad-Reviewing Presence
Known primarily for her athletic prowess, Aerin Frankel also operates the Instagram account @painbyromaine, which focuses entirely on evaluating Caesar salads. Before the Olympics, the account was relatively unknown, but its visibility surged with over 9,000 followers gained in a short time. Her posts include detailed ratings and reflections on Caesar salads from various locations, capturing the curiosity of both sports fans and salad enthusiasts alike.
One recent post examined the Caesar salad she found upon arriving in Milan, reflecting her ongoing commitment to this niche passion. A few weeks prior, Frankel praised the Caesar salad served at Boston’s Grill 23 & Bar, awarding it an 8.5 out of 10 for its satisfying flavor. Meanwhile, the Toronto restaurant Sugo earned a perfect 10/10 from her, especially for salads generously topped with shaved cheese, which she clearly favors as part of a quality Caesar experience.
Recognition from the Professional Women’s Hockey League and Fans
The Professional Women’s Hockey League highlighted Frankel’s salad reviews on X (formerly Twitter), sharing her content with a playful pun:
“No romaine, no gain.” ?PWHL Official Twitter Account
This helped propel her profile, now widely known beyond the hockey community. Fans often note that while her dedication to judging salads may seem unusual, it complements her image as a professional athlete maintaining peak performance both on and off the rink.
Linking Salad Reviews to Athletic Success
Frankel’s exceptional start at the Milan-Cortina Olympics—shutting out opponents in three of four games—has sparked curiosity about whether her Caesar salad habit contributes to her focus and endurance. With Team USA preparing to face Italy on Friday, February 13th, aiming for a spot in the gold medal match, her confident performances fuel optimism.
Italy enters the game with a balanced 2-2 record and a modest goal differential of -2, but Frankel’s dominant play suggests she has the upper hand in net. If her culinary interests help unlock athletic potential, it might make audiences view Caesar salads in a new light.
What’s Next for Aerin Frankel and Team USA
As the competition intensifies, all eyes remain on Aerin Frankel’s goaltending as she continues to propel Team USA forward. Her unique blend of athletic skill and social media presence is a reminder that athletes often have surprising passions beyond their sports. Whether or not the secret to her success lies in Caesar salads, Frankel’s rising popularity both on Instagram and in international hockey circles is undeniable.
With a critical game against Italy looming, fans will watch to see if Team USA can maintain its excellence and if Frankel’s salad reviews will continue to draw attention alongside her on-ice achievements.
No romaine, no gain. https://t.co/MQP4LjZLLQ pic.twitter.com/2QwQyxky6t
— PWHL (@thepwhlofficial) February 11, 2026
