Where to get best mozzarella nearby?

I have been disappointed in the mozzarella I have bought at Ashley's the last few times. It doesn't seem that fresh to me. I love bufala mozzarella. And, I like salted mozzarella. What do people here like?

The mozzarella at DiPietros on Springfield avenue is quality and made on premises

What cross streets are near there? I am rarely over there. Not that close, but for good mozzarella, I'd go.

Thanks!

DiPietros is at Tuscan and Springfield. So many delicious things there.

http://maplewood.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/28/dipietros-for-the-love-of-food-and-family/?_r=0

It is a across from the Hilton Library

Take a ride over to Lehigh Ave. in Union. You won't be disappointed.

http://www.lionimozzarella.com/

Di Pietro's is the closest to what I get in Italy, especially if you ask him to soak it in brine for a little while

Wine Library has it. Antonio's in Springfield has very fresh mozzarella.

civis, aha! Soaking in brine....do you mean that if I went there just to purchase mozzarella, I would ask him to soak it in brine....a little while...means a few minutes? Sounds like how feta is packaged. At least the kind I like. Yum, now my mouth is watering. I grew up on Southern fried chicken...always brined the chicken. I am such a salt person. Anyway, I've adapted to tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and olive oil....with tomatoes in, that is my kind of dinner.

If you use it often (and it actually does stay fresh for months) the fresh mozza in olive oil at Costco is excellent.

Tony & Angela (Mi Familia) on Main Street in Millburn on the right just past the Shoprite.

gerryl said:
civis, aha! Soaking in brine....do you mean that if I went there just to purchase mozzarella, I would ask him to soak it in brine....a little while...means a few minutes? Sounds like how feta is packaged. At least the kind I like. Yum, now my mouth is watering. I grew up on Southern fried chicken...always brined the chicken. I am such a salt person. Anyway, I've adapted to tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and olive oil....with tomatoes in, that is my kind of dinner.

Yes. If the owner is there, you can just ask him to soak it in brine after you tell him which type (braided or not) that you're buying. About 15-20 minutes should work, so you can shop or do something else while you wait

Thanks for everyone's input.

1) Mi Famiglia

2) DiPeitros

3) Antonio's

Whatever you do, DON'T put the muzz in the fridge!! Mmmmm enjoy.

There are only two of us, and we are not necessarily big eaters. I cannot imagine not putting the cheese in the fridge, unless we eat it again immediately.

+1 for Di Pietros

And another vote for DePietro's. And while you're there grab some ravioli.

re: DiPietro's - do i order in advance? if yes, what should i order? if not, what do i get when i'm in the store? i went today and while i want to be a fan, i found the place confusing. (but i did pick up homemade marinara and homemade manicotti)

Just go to the counter and ask for fresh mozzarella. If it's before 2 pm they'll have it, but yes, it might be gone after that so it would make sense to order it in that case. Usually it's floating in water in a big steel rectangular container near the cash register.

And good choice with the manicotti!

Antonio's Mozzarella Factory.

How's the mozzarella from the Maplewood Farmers Market?

It's pretty good, both flavor and texture. Not as good as DiPietro's -- Farmers' Market mozz is more dense and less creamy -- but it does last four or five days if you wrap it tightly, whereas DiPietro's lasts only two or three days. Meaning, I'm guessing, that DiPietro's is more natural, fewer preservatives.

Antonio Mozzarella makes it daily.

The mozzarella from Hoboken Farms, sold at the farmers markets is the only one I like. So fresh, perfectly salted. Yum.

Vacchiano Farms' stand at the Summit farmer's market (Sundays) has deliciously fresh mozzarella from their own cows. Sometimes they have burrata, too, which is OMG the best thing to ever happen to milk.

Tutto fresca's in Livingston. My goodness. I can scarcely believe anything could be better, though I did go to a place in Secaucus that was unbelievable....

Fran's Deli.  2nd and Hudson in Hoboken.  Well worth the expedition.  It's second to none  (and I grew up in Hoboken eating moz).

I'm no expert, but if you like "smoked" anything, the Bel Gioioso smoked fresh mozzarella that you can get at Shop Rite is quite delicious.

I am lactose intolerant and one of the few cheeses I can eat, and really like, is mozzerella.  So, my short guide, Antonio's Mozzarella Factory in Springfield has the best fresh, made daily, mozzarella, in water.  (If they don't have the fresh mozzarella, don't bother with the stuff wrapped in plastic that they also sell in supermarkets.)  DiPietro's fresh mozzarella isn't nearly as good.

Regarding store brands, the Bel Gioioso is great not just for smoked mozzarella but also a log of fresh mozzarella.  It's made in WI and has won many awards for its cheeses, especially mozzarella.  I have been looking for their burrata and ricotta, which I may be able to tolerate, somewhere but haven't located it yet.

annettedepalma said:

Fran's Deli.  2nd and Hudson in Hoboken.  Well worth the expedition.  It's second to none  (and I grew up in Hoboken eating moz).

Better than Fiore's?