Photos by Elizabeth Gelineau
Hungry but indecisive? Step inside the RSA Trustmark building in downtown Mobile, and you’ll find four options in the same room. Welcome to Parc Le Tralour, a food hall by “Panini” Pete Blohme, Nick Dimario and Robert Kabakoff. The concept began with lots of research, including visits to food halls across the country to see what worked. The food hall’s name references local legend surrounding its location. “The story of Louis Tralour is out front on a plaque, all about this spot that was Alabama’s first trailer park,” says Blohme. “That’s our story, so we wanted to pay homage to Louis and his wife and have fun.”
Perhaps the food hall’s most anticipated aspect is the return of Panini Pete’s to downtown Mobile. “I’m so excited to have Panini Pete’s back,” says Blohme. “I’ve had people telling me, ‘I’ve been waiting for that panini, I’ve been waiting on those beignets,’ and it’s great to bring it back.” Customers will be happy to see menu staples such as the muffuletta panini listed in “100 Things To Eat In Alabama Before You Die” and the Guy Fieri-approved house-roasted turkey panini. Need breakfast? Pick up a cafe au lait and the classic beignets served with fresh lemon on the way to the office.
The food hall’s other eateries, all original PP Hospitality concepts, pack their own punch. The most innovative, Astronaut Chicken, harkens back to the space craze of the 60s and 70s. The “out of this world” chicken features a Tang aioli (yes, made from the powdered drink mix) on the side. Seasonings, called space dust, come in three unique flavors. The Mexican eatery, Taco Hermanos, features a range of bowls and street tacos with four protein options. Finally, Mob Town Slice offers pizza (you guessed it) by the slice, featuring cheese, pepperoni, mushroom and veggie options as well as a personal-sized gluten-free pizza listing. The overall food hall also serves drinks such as wine, beer, bushwhackers and a signature Tangarita. “We have both old-school dining and new-school dining,” says Dimario. “You’ve got the right side of the restaurant where you can order on a QR code. If you don’t want to, you can order at the counter and eat on the other side.”
The food’s playfulness is matched by an upbeat playlist and overall theme. “We have this really cool trailer park theme and wanted it fun and casual,” says Blohme. “That’s what ties the whole concept together.” Waste bins are labeled “trailer trash.” Posters from different trailer-related movies hang on the wall. There’s even a giant trailer park backdrop for the perfect photo op. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” says Blohme. “We are serious about what we do, but we have fun doing it.”
On the Menu
Astronaut Chicken’s Fried Chicken Sandwich
A crunchy chicken thigh is placed on a brioche bun with pickles, lettuce and tomato, drizzled with Tang aioli and sprinkled with your choice of space dust.
Taco Hermanos’ Street Bowls
Served with your choice of protein and Mexican rice or shredded lettuce, these bowls are topped with black beans, onions, cilantro, queso fresca and sauce hermano.
Panini Pete’s House Roasted Turkey Panini
Named “the state bird of FlavorTown” by Guy Fieri himself, this sandwich contains turkey, baby greens, roasted peppers, Dijon, garlic aioli and house-made mozzarella served on focaccia.
Mob Town Slice’s Pizza
This isn’t your ordinary pizza slice. Thick crust, a variety of flavorful toppings and just the right amount of cheese make for a solid lunch choice. Good luck walking away with only one slice.
Parc Le Tralour • 107 St. Francis St., Unit 115, Mobile • Mon – Sat 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed Sun
