History is fascinating when it comes to food. Since we have started to sell the authentic Italian Panini (Panino) why not understand where it came from and why it is so famous today. The first Italian recipe that somewhat resembles a panino is that for panunto (greased bread) described, at the end of the XVI century, by Domenico Ramoli, but was too much of a poor man’s food to appear in any cookbooks. During the twentieth century panini slowly evolved from being a worker's food, and second choice to more trendy sandwiches, to achieving a recognized place in the Italian food scene. In the '80s Milan became the centre of a short lived teen fashion named after the panini: the so-called paninari. Dressed in a ridiculous combo of Montclair coats, jeans, El Charro cowboy belts, Burlington socks and Timberland loafers, they would gather in front of the first Italian fast-food joints (the most famous called Burghy). The expanding fast food fashion pushed some Milanese establishments to go against the current and offer real Italian gourmet panini. Today as Italy evolves to the American work life with shortening lunch periods the panini is taking off as the healthy alternative to fast food. Normally found across Italy with cured meats (Holy Grail) and fresh cheese, today anything can be added to a panini from meats, grilled vegetables, and even tripe. The key to the most flavorful panini is the freshest bread, the freshest ingredients, and as they say in Italy, "The chef's signature is put into every panini made". So what are you waiting for? Now is the time to rediscover the classic handmade panini..
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