After noshing at the Nasher, head to another downtown Dallas destination—the Mozzarella Company. Offering more than 20 artisanal cheeses,including fresh mozzarella, the tiny cheese factory at 2944 Elm Street has become a foodie favorite in the 27 years since it opened. “We don’t conductactual tours,” says owner Paula Lambert, “but we welcome cheese lovers who wantto stop by and watch us make cheese and sample our handmade products.”
You can buy Mozzarella Company cheeses online and at gourmet stores across the country or enjoy them in restaurants, but going to the source allows you to taste a range of flavors before you buy. Start with the aged goat caciotta with Mexican marigold mint or the queso blanco with chilies and epazote, both of which won top awards at last year’s American Cheese Society conference in Chicago.
And if you have more than a casual interest in cheesemaking,the Mozzarella Company offers a hands-on class in cheesemaking on April 25, as well as classes in wine-and-cheese pairing and beer-and-cheese pairing on April 28 and 30, respectively. Classes are limited to 20 people and range from$50-$75; private classes can be arranged. Call 214/741-4072 or 800/798-2954; www.mozzco.com.