The Growing Fame of Mozz and Melba

Maybe you saw the news earlier this week? Mozz and melba was featured on Atlas Obscura!

If you prefer reading about it on Facebook, and seeing the scores of shares and comments on this regionally specific food, that link is here. Just be warned, you may see more than a few comments from me, as I get very excited about these things.

One of the things I’m most excited about is that the photo used at the top of the story is from Vicky who used to be eatanddrinkalbany on Instagram, but now that she’s moved her handle is eatanddrinkhouston. Now her feed is all about Texas foods. But once upon a time it was all about the Capital Region.

She was also part of the Yelp Elite Squad out here, and I got to spend some time with her. Her background was fascinating. And I don’t want to reveal too many personal details, but let’s just say Vicky has a long history in Albany.

But that’s not all.

The featured image is also of Scubber’s which I think could use more love. Their mozz and melba is worth braving the madness of Wolf Road. Although, to be fair, I’d recommend hitting Exit 4 on the Northway and traveling south instead of popping off at Exit 2 and traveling north, regardless of what your map app tells you is faster.

Not only is the Scubber’s fried cheese with raspberry sauce super photogenic, it’s also one of my favorites. That crispy shell and that bright fruit sauce is something special. Remember not all melba is created equal. Some of it tastes—and looks—like a sno-cone topping.

I’m also excited because the main article recommends two places to try. For Scubbers, the description reads, “Come for the wings, stay for the melba.” And frankly, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Actually, scratch that. I might say come for the mozz, stay for the melba. Remember, this is a fried food, and if you are going to try it—in the name of all that is good and holy—eat it in the small dining room. Ordering fried foods to go is a crime.

Of all the other places that make mozz and melba, the top pick from Atlas Obscura was….

Ralph’s Tavern! The blurb after Ralph’s reads, “Some say these are the best mozz sticks and melba in the region.” Do you know who says that? I say it! I’ve been saying it ever since the Tour de Mozz and Melba.

If you want a little more background on that tour, you can check out the call for nominations that preceded it.

I’ve been banging this drum for a long time. I was even talking with a reporter from a major national newspaper about this in the past year. The internet often gets the scoop on the mainstream press, but maybe this story in Atlas Obscura will make this reporter’s editor take notice and green light the story.

One thing that kills me is how many locals still don’t recognize mozz and melba as a thing. But that’s another post entirely.