Why Do We Put Melba Sauce On Mozzarella Sticks in Upstate New York?

In theory I know that outside of New York's Capital Region this is not a thing. Bit right here in Albany, NY we dip our mozzarella sticks in melba sauce and are unapologetic about it. Yes, I know marinara is the more normal option, but this is just something very signature to this part of Upstate New York.

For those who don't know, melba sauce is basically just raspberry jam. No matter where you go around this area if a restaurant has mozzarella sticks on the menu you can bet they'll ask if you want melba or marinara to dip. Yes it's weird, but it is also very delicious.

Read More: Saratoga Urban Legend: The Devil's Chair

In the video below my friend Jerry shows you how to make your own melba sauce and mozzarella sticks. He even gives you a little history lesson on melba sauce and how it even started in the first place.

The Skyline Diner in Rensselaer went into a bit more history on a recent Facebook post that they put up earlier this week. I had no idea that Melba sauce originated in London back in the 1890s.

According to this, the connection to the Capital Region comes from it being on a menu at HP Mulligans that was in Colonie, NY.

The information that I cannot find the information on is why people began dipping their mozz sticks in raspberry sauce. It's just always been on the menu at many local establishments around Albany for as long as I can remember. The flavors go together so well and here's why I think it happened, and I've got two reasons.

Why do we do it?

First, think of it as what you might get on a charcuterie board. It will have cheese and crackers and jam to have with it. I have no proof, but maybe they were trying to mimic the flavor profiles you get when it comes to this. Second, I think it could have been by accident. Traditionally everywhere else you order mozzarella sticks you would get marinara sauce. A simple mix up in the kitchen could be to blame for this local legend here in Albany.

All I can tell you is not to be afraid of this tradition born right here in the Capital Region.