Fried Mozzarella in Rhode Island and South Eastern Massachusetts

Mozzarella sticks have been a staple at chain restaurants specializing in pub grub for years. At first everyone had to try them. They were fried cheese after all. With some marinara sauce for dipping they were the ultimate appetizer to share with family and friends. Certainly there were very few people, if any, who could disagree with the ordering of such a treat.

As chains have gone more upscale and Italian restaurants have become increasingly more popular the mozzarella sticks have changed accordingly. Instead of sticks you may get slabs in some places. In others you can get nuggets. When I was only 17 or so I remember getting mozzarella pan fried in an Italian restaurant in Boston, long before it was ever popular in chains. It was fresh and dipped in egg then lightly crumbed and seared with home made marinara. It was fantastic. I spent many years ordering mozzarella sticks at any restaurant offering them in hopes that someday I would get a similar item instead of something thawed and warmed.

My time has finally come. I couldn't believe my luck last year when I ordered mozzarella at a local seafood restaurant and received a plate of freshly sliced and seared mozzarella with a sweet tomato sauce. I was thrilled. My ten year old not so much, he was expecting those pre-frozen treats warmed or deep-fried until stringy. This sliced stuff that was soft and non rubber-like was not on his "to eat" list.