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• Spicy Pickle

Spinach Salad ($5.95) from Spicy Pickle. (Tom Klubens for The Star)

Italian Panini ($6.75) from Spicy Pickle. (Tom Klubens for The Star)

Talk about being on top of things. Jen and I visited Spicy Pickle in Fishers a mere two weeks after this salad-and-sandwich joint opened. We're on the ball!

There's nothing like a festive environment, which they have, and a name like Spicy Pickle to perk up my day.

The mood

True to the hype surrounding new establishments, Pickle was packed with diners-in and those waiting for carryout. This restaurant is bright and cheery, with bar-style window seating, bar top tables and booths for those who prefer a softer seat.

It was quite an eclectic crowd on the day we stopped in -- a gaggle of girls in their scrubs staked claim to the large table in the middle of the room, surrounded by men in ties, a cop on his lunch hour, young professionals and families.

At Pickle, you place your order at the counter, then wait for your name to be shouted over the boisterous conversation by a tray-carrying employee who brings your food to your seat.

It was rather like a game trying to figure out if it was my turn to chow down. "Did he say 'Kate?' Nope, 'Nate.'."

We waited quite a while for our meals, but weren't disappointed.

The food

The menu is the normal lunch fare: soups, salads and sandwiches, but the options within the potentially bland menu are pretty neat. Traditional chicken noodle or corn and green chili bisque? The usual Caesar or forest salad (spinach, portobello mushrooms, tomatoes, toasted hazelnuts, grilled onions and honey balsamic vinaigrette)? There's something for the finicky eater, or one who embraces a little something out of the ordinary.

Subs like the Englishman, with roast beef, horseradish coleslaw, cheddar and Thousand Island dressing, come preplanned (not premade -- everything's done to order) or you can build your own any way you like it. Pizzetti, aka personal pizza, also are offered along with paninis.

Jen was quick to decide, as usual, and must've been in a healthful mood. She chose a large spinach salad ($5.95). Crisp green apples, crunchy walnuts and blue cheese were combined with the spinach and apple-cider vinaigrette for a tangy bite to this salad.

I needed something more substantial and so ordered the Italian panini ($6.75). Just what I needed! Flavorful mortadella (Italian pork cold cut), salami, capocolla (another pig-related sandwich meat), onions, lettuce, tomatoes, provolone, and basil mayo.

Our lunch was topped off with a chocolate chip cookie, made daily. And, yes, Spicy Pickle sells spicy pickles.

The drinks

Two fountain sodas, please ($1.65 each).

The damage: $19.26

Eating out should be fun, and Spicy Pickle is just that. It's casual dining, without the cost of some sit-down places. It's fresh and more healthful than most fast-food spots.