Pan’e Dolci Italian Bakery

Other than getting me dinner as an apology for being late, I can’t remember why Keenan and I ended up walking in here in the first place. 

It reminded me somewhat of Avellutto’s in KC, albeit more upscale in its decor and more casual in its intent.

We stared at the sandwiches, haphazardly yet expertly stacked in the display case, while the guy behind the counter spread tomato sauce on the fresh dough.

I tried to convince K to get something, only to be met with “A New York n**** ain’t payin’ $13 for a slice, FOH”. Which is an incredibly accurate and fair assessment of the situation 😂

After a lot of back and forth between the pizzas and the sandwiches, we settled on a prosciutto, provolone and tomato sandwich. Thrown into a press until crispy, then drizzled with olive oil. More than one napkin would surely be required.

As I perched myself on the stool at the furthermost edge of the bar, I took a second to appreciate what might have been a decision made for the sake of convenience, but whose result was that of forcing everyone to sit together and interact with each other. The people who we were currently surrounded by? An older couple, someone on a first date, a family with several kids, a couple with a fur baby…

Flanked by Sanpellegrinos, one Aranciata Rossa and one Limonata, Keenan waited patiently while the camera ate first. Only when I was finished did he point out that this was my last sandwich of the year (!). How I managed to forget something that had defined a good part of my 2025, I can only guess.

A bite. Airy and light, but still crispy and structurally able to hold its insides without falling apart. Tangy tomatoes that weren’t too watery, creamy provolone perfectly melted into the bread’s little pockets, and a prosciutto more moist and less salty than most others. Satisfying and filling without feeling heavy.

Less convincing was needed to get a scoop of chocolate gelato. Thick and bittersweet, I’m almost positive I could taste some coffee in there.

We sat on a bench outside, overhearing passing conversations and holding in laughter until the last bit of ice cream was unceremoniously licked off my lips the little plastic spoon.

Pan’e Dolci is located at 613 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL.