If Flavortown had a Hall of Fame, Chef Pete Blohme would be in there. Since 2008, when I first stepped into his Fairhope, Alabama shop, "Panini Pete" has been a reliable and trusted friend, a celebrated DDD ambassador, and a proven "good guy" in the hospitality business. From his roots as a CIA trained chef to his travels around the world in support of our troops, Pete's life and career have thrived as true examples of that old mantra "hard work pays off." And to get there, and I've seen this personally, Pete's never let an opportunity be wasted, regardless of whether for his gain or somebody else's. So, what I'm saying is, Panini's got a point...check out Spatula Success and see how you too can make the most of what's thrown at you.
- GUY FIERI
Celebrity Chef & Emmy Award-Winning Food Network Host
"Panini" Pete Blohme's memoir, Spatula Success, should be required reading for all business owners but especially for dreamers who want to own a restaurant! Narrating his journey from a kid who liked to cook to the owner of many restaurants and other businesses, Pete shares the primary ingredients of the recipe for success: true hospitality, using the freshest food for his scratch kitchen, developing a great team, investing consistent time and energy in every detail, loving what he does, paying back to his community, and "DIGGING DEEP" around every corner. This is a delicious read simmering with heart, humor, passion, and bullseye focus. Like an encounter with the man himself, Spatula Success, will leave you smiling big and craving a small bite of the sweetness Pete brings to life and everything he does.
- LUCY BUFFETT
Owner of LuLu's Gulf Shores, Destin & North Myrtle Beach
I learned early in life that inspiration comes in many forms. Having role models has been a major key to my success professionally and personally. Pete doesn't know it, but he's one of those guys I've been watching really close. The energy, passion and love he has for his craft and others motivates the hell out of me. Spatula Success gives me a closer look at how he does it. That and some great recipes!
- TERRY JAMES
Host Lex & Terry, Nationally-Syndicated Morning Show
I have known "Panini" Pete Blohme for several decades now. My wife Lynne, a native Alabamian and also an alumnus of the CIA has too. While we have always been impressed by his energy, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial zeal, over the years we have happily watched "Panini" grow and develop as a talented chef and savvy businessperson. Pete has thrived where others have failed. He has also overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles-all while making many people happy and giving back to his community. For Pete, that means not just the good folks of Alabama's Gulf Coast, but also members of the US military, and of course, his alma mater-The Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Pete has been a key leader on the college's Alumni Council, and the groups many contributions to the CIA have made a difference. Through Pete's personal and professional development, he has gained wisdom-some of which he is sharing (along with several of his signature recipes) in Spatula Success. I'm confident that you will enjoy and gain from it.
- DR. TIM RYAN
President, The Culinary Institute of America
Panini Pete's recipes go way beyond cooking, offering life skills as well as advice for giving back. Everyone who reads Spatula Success will take away a pearl of wisdom!
-LYNNE WEEMS RYAN
Chef, Queen Bee of Chefs to Dine For, Alabama native