Last week I had the chance to eat burrata not once but twice! I am consistently mesmerized by burrata, that magical, delicious, amazing cheese. I try to eat it whenever I’m presented with the opportunity.
I first encountered burrata – which translates as “butter” – at Peasant, a restaurant in the NoLita neighborhood in Manhattan. We went there for my birthday a couple of years ago, and it was a wonderful evening, in part because we started with their burrata dish. I was served with roasted tomatoes and the whole thing was just heavenly. I was in food love.
Burrata is basically a fresh mozzarella pouch stuffed with a mixture of warm, loose mozzarella and cream. When you cut into it, it’s very soft and when you taste it, it does live up to its buttery association. It’s a traditional cow’s milk cheese, and a speciality of the Puglia region in Italy.
I would love to learn to make it, too, truth be told.
Last week, I had burrata at two different Italian restaurants – one in Queens and one in Manhattan. Monday night, during our bi-monthly We Heart Astoria Blogger Social, it was available as an appetizer at Ornella Trattoria, a lovely Italian restaurant in Astoria, Queens. It was served with slices of melon and prosciutto, which was seasonal and all delicious.
The following day for lunch at Il Punto, I had a taste of my dining companion’s appetizer, which was burrata served with figs and prosciutto. It was a beautiful seasonal dish, too. I love seeing more burrata on menus around the city.
I’ve also heard that my local Italian Deli, Rosario’s, sometimes carries burrata. Hmm… must inquire about this!
That Burrata with prosciutto and figs at Il Punto in Manhattan looks amazing! I’ve never had burrata, but your description now has me on the hunt.
Erin, it really is fabulous. The Il Punto lighting was much better than that at Ornella – different time of the day (lunch v. dinner). Definitely look for it – it’s a wonderful, luxurious cheese! I’d love to know what you think of it after you try it.
Great pics! Back when we ate dairy products this was one of my favorites! I’m sure you have, but if you haven’t tried the burrata at Trattoria L’incontro it was one of the best I ever had!
Thanks, WT! I haven’t been to L’Incontro for ages but your tip about their burrata has me curious and intrigued. I think I will have to check it out – perhaps I will reward myself with dinner there after I become gainfully employed again! 🙂