Tucked away on the shore of Mobile Bay close to Mobile Alabama is the town of Fair Hope Alabama. It is a nice community. A home to artists and writers and is the home of a little sandwich shop called Panini Pete's. This particular restaurant was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive Ins and Dives and the owner was even on Guy's Big Bite.
He is known for paninis and beignets. The moment I saw him, I told Rebbel because he was doing two things Rebbel does expertly, so of course, we had to take a detour from Florida and check it out! I am glad we did.
The bake shop/ panini shop is located in downtown Fair Hope. It is located in the French Quarter. The sign above the alley tells you. In the back in a small building is
the home of Panini Pete's.We got there a little early for lunch. We wanted lunch, not breakfast. To kill time we checked out the peaceful beautiful town that seemed to have a lot of restaurants. We would have checked out more, but it was a rainy December day. We killed time for about 2 hours, the restaurant closes at 10:30 and re opens at 11:00. We waited patiently for them to open the door at 11:00 sharp.
It was then we found that they only serve beignets at breakfast, unless there are leftovers. We missed out!! We could have been munching on them waiting for lunch! We did however, order the paninis, and they were delicious. Panini Pete makes most of the ingredients in his sandwiches the old fashioned way. He cooks it himself. Even the mozzarella is house made!! He offers hand cut chips and fries to go with the sandwiches. We decided to get the Roast Beef, the Turkey and the Muffaletta. We decided the best was the Roast Beef. House roasted to medium rare, with gorganzola spread, onion confit, tomato, Dijon on a Cibatta. The House Roasted Turkey came a close second.
Panini Pete was there and proved to be a very friendly proprietor, and his visiting family were very nice also.
Rebbel told him she liked the area, but he was already doing her stuff. He replied back that they might have to have a showdown on Main St. if she chose to pursue it.
Panini Pete's and Fair Hope is definitely worth checking out if you are that way. They are located at 42 1/2 S Section St #2, Fair Hope, Al. Get there early and let us know how the beignets are!
You can watch the videos and check out the menu by clicking the title.
