Near Rieti, “Just a Bite” at La Baita

Actually, every time we stop at La Baita, roadside stand outside of Rieti, our snack is always more than “just a bite.” How to pass up the goodness?

Although the famous Baita porchetta sandwiches tempt, I never veer from my favorite Baita sandwich, grilled local sausage smothered in pickled bell peppers. But this time, I spotted that plate of pickled onions on the counter, one of many sandwich toppings. Working the counter, Chiara nodded with a knowing grin when I asked for a side of pickled onions, confirming a winner. Those onions will now always pair with the pickled peppers.

La Baita porchetta sandwiches

My usual favorite: grilled sausage with pickled bell peppers

My new favorite Baita panino

Pino tried a new one this time when he spotted anchovies under oil. Baita owner, Enrico’s answer to Pino’s query on what to pair with anchovies was unconvincing: prosciutto and sheep’s milk cheese, pecorino.
Chiara won him over with her suggestion: a sandwich of wild chicory sautéed in garlic and olive oil topped with slices of pecorino and anchovies.

Pino looks dubiously at his “new” panino, ingredients proposed by Chiara

Red wine to accompany our panini

While we munched that Baita goodness, I asked Chiara where they came up with all the sandwich variations. Often from the customers, Chiara told us and indicating two hefty young men, she winked, “come loro – hanno inventato la station wagon.” The “station wagon” requested by those two – and now a Baita favorite – combines in one sandwich, 3 grilled sausages, pickled eggplants, strips of bacon, and pecorino, all smothered in mayonnaise. Not for the faint of heart, nor light eaters. And the the “fuel” to gas up that station wagon? A glass of red wine with orange soda (!)

I’ll just stick to my new favorite: grilled sausage topped with pickled peppers…and now, pickled onions, too.