Boiling water is added to a metal bowl of curds and Kirsty Laird begins the process of working and stretching them to create fresh balls of mozzarella. It seems to take just minutes and soon a platter of the still warm, creamy, salty cheese is being handed around and devoured by a small group of guests.
It’s 8.30am on a Saturday morning at La Latteria in Carlton, and it’s the first stop of Maeve O’Meara’s new Italian On Wheels gourmet tour. For the rest of the day, we’ll walk, eat and learn about some of Melbourne’s family- and owner-run establishments.
There’s espresso – taken standing at the bar in the traditional Italian way, of course – pecorino, pizza Napoli, pasta, risotto, sweets and wine spread out over the course of eight hours. The best thing is getting to meet and talk with the passionate people making these delicious products as you go.
As well as the Italian tour, Maeve has recently added French on Wheels, a Greek Waling Safari and Melbourne on Wheels (it takes in the best of Spanish, Middle Eastern, Afghan and other cuisines) to her Gourmet Safaris agenda. She already has several one-day tours around Sydney, regional tours to Kangaroo Island and the Victorian High Country and several overseas destinations.
Tours take place regularly, but get in quickly – they tend to fill quickly.
Gourmet Safaris
From $115
(02) 8969 6555
