DISH OF THE WEEK: Fresh Mozzarella at JOE’S ITALIAN DELI

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

There are seven different businesses around Arthur Avenue in the Bronx that make their own mozzarella daily. That’s an insane number of places committed to quality cheese in a small block radius.

For those that don’t realize it, Arthur Avenue is the real Little Italy of New York – with more third generation owned businesses than any other neighborhood. This is the place to come for quality Italian sausage, cheese, sandwiches, and dinners. And it’s all ridiculously cheap.

At Urban Adventures, we just launched a new Arthur Avenue Food Tour (it’s run by a couple who grew up there and have strong connections to the neighborhood). I was fortunate enough to train on the tour so I can give it when they are out of town. And it might have been my favorite training for any tour ever.

Keep your eyes out for other posts about the incredible food up here – from eggplant sandwiches to dry cured soppressata to pignoli cookies. But I have to share the best fresh mozzarella I have ever tasted.

Casa Della Mozzarella gets all the fame (and their cheese is pretty incredible), but Chris and Danielle (the local couple) took me to a spacious deli a few blocks away from the crowds on the famous avenue. And it was mind-blowing.

Joe’s is only a second generation run business, but both generations have the magic touch when it comes to making the cheese. The rounds are impossibly soft with a pop of creaminess. The key here is also the perfect amount of salt.

I’ve had it on a sandwich and as samples (they’ll give you a sample for free) and I’ve purchased some to enjoy at home. It did not last long.

The mozzarella is so clean and fresh that I feel absolutely no guilt when eating it. It’s truly the best I’ve ever tasted. I can’t imagine any of the other six places nearby are this good. But there’s only one way to find out. Yeah, work is really hard!