Scene by Laurie

Looking for a taste sensation? Then look no further than the creamy mozzarella perfection at Obikà Mozzarella Bar in midtown New York. I was treated to a tasting of their imported bufala mozzarellas which are handmade using milk from water buffalo, a protected process specific to the Campania region in Italy, and every bite was pure heaven.

Coming from an Italian family and living in NYC for so long I thought I knew mozzarella but at Obikà I was a novice. The tasting consisted of six mozzarellas and required a roadmap to fully appreciate. We started with a sweet and creamy mozz and worked our way up to a firmer consistency you traditionally expect from mozzarella, ending with my favorite, the affumicata, a smoked version. It’s placed in a smoker for the flavor and the light brown glaze and has a fine but strong taste. The pairing of Obikà’s Italian meats, also imported from different parts of Italy, were as fresh as the mozz.

Our next course was lasagna, and I have to say (hopefully my father won’t read this particular post) that it was better than anything I’ve tasted in a long time thanks to the star ingredient. It’s the favorite pasta among Obika’s patrons for obvious reasons.

Lastly we finished with a dessert tasting. The winner here was the ricotta mousse with honey and pine nuts. I’m also a sucker for chocolate and really enjoyed their chocolate and almond cake, a nice compliment to the cheese desserts.

Anthony Fauci, a partner in the restaurant, shared some developments in the works for introduction over the next year which will undoubtedly draw even greater crowds. The first is a more robust daily breakfast menu beyond the current expresso and danish as well as Sunday brunch, Italian style. Another future sure fire crowd pleaser will be the addition of a wine and beer bar. Noshing with a glass of vino will definitely be a welcome pleasure.

Anthony’s also thinking about other midtown locations, so those who prefer a more traditional restaurant setting over circular kiosk seating might have the option in the future.

Open Monday-Friday 7 am to 6 pm, Saturday 8 am to 6 pm, Sunday 9 am to 6 pm. Location: Atrium at 590 Madison Avenue, entrance on 56th and Madison

Photographer and dining partner was Gadling blogger Tom Johansmeyer.

I was a guest of Anthony’s and the meal was gratis but the opinions and review are my own.