Lou Russo Loves Caldino’s Fresh Mozzarella and Authentic Italian Food

If you know, you know. True Italian, homemade mozzarella is so much better than what you can buy in mainstream grocery stores.

If you've ever had Caldino's fresh mozzarella, you know it has that smooth, creamy texture with just an edge of sweetness. They serve it so fresh it's still a little warm. You just can't find that many places, and if you haven't had some recently, you need to stop in their new Caldino's Italian Market at 2432 Bridge Ave., Point Pleasant, NJ 08742.

Dino Jr., the owner, built his reputation and business with a food truck that still visits local fairs and farmers markets, and when he invited me behind the counter at his new market, I was impressed with how dedicated he is to the art of making mozzarella. And he really does treat it like an art form. In today's world, so many people are in a hurry for the sake of efficiency and hitting quotas, but you couldn't make that man pull the mozzarella out even seconds before it's ready. And you can taste the care and love he has for his craft in that first bite.

Of course, Caldino's Italian Market serves more than mozzarella. They have a full menu of pastas and sandwiches that are perfect for a quick lunch or a family dinner to-go; I personally rave about their ravioli. They also have many of those hard-to-find authentic Italian grocery items and gelato. They offer catering and their food truck is available for private events, too.

Keep an eye out for them at your local farmers market, stop in the market or order at caldinos.com.