Get your money’s worth at Mr. Gatti’s in Opelika
BY STACEY WALLACE / PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE
Have you ever noticed that the food you love the most is usually the kind you’re not supposed to eat? As a diabetic, I am supposed to watch what I eat daily. However, my very favorite food group, without a doubt, is carbohydrates. I love potatoes, bread, pasta, junk food and sweets, all of which are carbohydrates and are terrible for diabetics. Just call me the “Carb Queen.”
Teaching four classes of sixth graders was much easier for me than eating only healthy foods.
For example, a while back, I was at a church function. My friend Bonnie, who is an amazing cook at Central Baptist Church of Opelika, had made a luscious pie and cake. Sweet Miss Jean, who is another member of my church family, was serving dessert. When Miss Jean brought me a sliver of pie, I asked her, “Could I please have a bigger piece?”
Miss Jean, who knows that I’m a diabetic, tried to look out for my health. She said, “You know you’re not supposed to eat this!” Alas, she was right: however, she brought me a bigger piece. But I digress.
Recently, carbohydrates were again calling my name, so Mike and I met our friend Jack at Mr. Gatti’s Pizza located at 704 First Ave. in downtown Opelika.
As I’ve said many times in this column, I love downtown Opelika. The parking is free (no feeding a kiosk) and plentiful; also, there is a variety of really good restaurants.
I loved the old brick wall in Mr. Gatti’s Pizza. The building was cozy and had a hometown feel.
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza is locally owned by Kurt Hayley and Mark Weeks. The restaurant opened this past July 31. Hayley and Weeks opened another Mr. Gatti’s Pizza in Dadeville this past September and plan to open a third one in Auburn next year.
Jamie and Tabitha, our servers, were so friendly, helpful and patient. Jamie, who is the general manager, said that young workers such as Ravyn and Ray, whom I had the pleasure of meeting, were really amazing and hard-working.
Mike, Jack and I ordered the regular buffet, which includes a drink for only $12.99, so believe me, we certainly got our money’s worth. The senior buffet is only $9.99, but Mike forgot to ask if we qualified for it. It’s funny; when I was in my late 40s to my early 50s, I would be insulted if anyone thought I was old enough for the senior discount. Now at 60, I ask up front if I qualify for the discount and get excited if I do.
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza was slap-your-Grandma good, especially the macaroni and cheese pizza. There was a large variety of pizzas from which to choose. Also, the spaghetti was very tasty.
I, unfortunately, also tried the chocolate chip dessert pizza; it was warm, gooey and amazing. The cinnamon cream swirl pizza was also quite good.
To Lynn Hudson, my terrific endocrinologist in Opelika: Next time, I promise to eat more salad and less pizza at Mr. Gatti’s.
Besides the terrific all-you-can-eat buffet, Mr. Gatti’s also has Happy Hour from 2:30 to 5 p.m. During this time, diners may purchase a medium one-topping pizza for $9.99 and they may make one trip to the salad bar with a free fountain drink for just $2.99. Also, during this time, the restaurant has wing specials (BBQ, buffalo or garlic parmesan): Eight pieces for $7.99; 16 pieces for $15.99. The wings are served with a side of ranch.
Trust me, run and do not walk to Mr. Gatti’s Pizza in downtown Opelika. Just writing this column and looking at Mike’s photographs makes me want to go back.
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people never lie about food. Enjoy!
Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear every other week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com.
