Many restaurants, including some that care what they serve, never stopped offering it. The Field's Special sandwich, a magnificent mound of iceberg topped with turkey, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing, has been a popular choice in Marshall Field's Walnut Room for decades. General manager Jim Morris says that it is a popular choice and that he, personally, still likes iceberg lettuce. The wedge is not the only possible presentation. Iceberg leaves have traditionally been used in Chinese cooking as a moisturizing liner in bamboo steamers, under sticky dumplings.
Chopped iceberg can also add texture to homemade vegetable soups.
And saladwise, in combination with tastier, darker greens, iceberg provides a happy boost. But its old, familiar uses have staunch fans. It's the best lettuce to use because it gives you so much great crunch, and I enjoy that. Kujawski says she uses romaine for salads these days but sticks with iceberg for sandwiches. You put cold chicken or turkey on them with at least 2 inches of lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and mayonnaise.