We Just Had To Do It Again

Mike, Peggy, Judy, and I just had to do it one more time; that is, we had to go back to Panini Pete’s for another muffuletta sandwich. 

That got me to thinking about the origins of that great sandwich.  Per Wikipedia, the muffuletta sandwich had its origins at Central Grocery in the French Quarter of New Orleans.  Here is the story according to Marie Lupo Tusa who is the daughter of Central Grocery’s founder: (photo by: Steven Mark Needham)

“One of the most interesting aspects of my father's grocery is his unique creation, the muffuletta sandwich. The muffuletta was created in the early 1900s when the Farmers' Market was in the same area as the grocery. Most of the farmers who sold their produce there were Sicilian. Every day they used to come of my father's grocery for lunch. They would order some salami, some ham, a piece of cheese, a little olive salad, and either long braided Italian bread or round muffuletta bread. In typical Sicilian fashion they ate everything separately. The farmers used to sit on crates or barrels and try to eat while precariously balancing their small trays covered with food on their knees. My father suggested that it would be easier for the farmers if he cut the bread and put everything on it like a sandwich; even if it was not typical Sicilian fashion. He experimented and found that the thicker, braided Italian bread was too hard to bite but the softer round muffuletta was ideal for his sandwich. In very little time, the farmers came to merely ask for a "muffuletta" for their lunch.”

Needless to say, the sandwiches that we got at Panini Pete’s is definitely a variation of the original, but it was darned good none the less. (Photo by Peggy Evringham)

But, it wasn’t enough for just the four of us to partake in a Panini Pete’s lunch; we had to corrupt Jerry and Carol as well.  If you remember from yesterday, we had stated that we were going to go to breakfast with them, but the schedule was starting to close in on us with Judy’s hair appointment as well as getting a couple more items crossed off the “Ol’ Ta Do List” so we decided to introduce them to Panini Pete’s.

It was nice to have met them and have had some time to visit with them.  Jerry and I have been emailing over the past couple of years, generally about Cedar Creek issues since they have a 2008 Cedar Creek.  They, also, have a golden retriever, a white standard poodle, and a calico katt traveling with them.  On top of all of that, Carol is a dedicated quilter so that gave her and Judy something in common.  They’re leaving the Plantation this morning so we wish them safe travels.  Did I ever tell you that one of the greatest things about this lifestyle is the people you get to meet and the friends you make?   Maybe once or twice, huh?

Judy finished Alex’s cuddle blankie, so he is one happy kitty.  Now he has something to stretch out and lounge around on just like his sister.  Anything to keep the katts content.  Here Alex is just hanging out on his new blankie during the afternoon.

It never ends here at Rainbow Plantation.  Last night we had another concert with Denny Yeary.  If you remember, he was here in early January.  Denny sang bass with the Blackwood Brothers for twenty-two years and now performs in Branson.  He travels during Branson’s off season and will be back to the Plantation again next January.  His wife will be traveling with him at that time.  It was a great concert and we look forward to seeing him again next year.

Today will be another special day with friends, but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to read about it.  So . . . . .

Take Care and May God Bless  - - - - - - - - -