The Kentucky Kernel
Thursday, February 3, 2005

Pickles, spice and everything nice
By Danielle Herring

Fly on the Wall | feelin' the buzz
If you're anything like me, you love sandwiches and you're sick of the same ol' sub shop.

Lately, I've been looking for something more. A place where I could sit comfortably and talk with my companions about how good the food was instead of complaining about how much I spent and how little I received.

Thankfully I've found such a place.

It's easy to see that this eatery is different before you look at the menu. Although it's about the same size as your average sandwich shop, I'm certain this is the only place you'll find a green six-seat table shaped like a pickle. And instead of obnoxiously bold colors that are supposed to make you hungry, patrons can relax in the postmodern decor done in maroon, maize, cadet blue and, of course, a flat pickle green.

My first visit was an eye-opener. I felt a little overwhelmed by all the options and the line of people behind me made me feel a little rushed, but I quickly found something I wanted with the help of the cashier.

One patron had a similar first experience.

"The customer service was excellent," Amy Ulery of Lexington said. "This is my first time here, and they explained all the options and were patient while I decided. I'll definitely be back."

The menu advises customers to first decide to have either a sub or a panini.
For a sub, you then choose from the 14 different meats offered, including mortadella (a type of bologna), capocolla (ham) and pastrami or decide to fill your sub with vegetables.

Then, pick your bread: White, wheat, filone or focaccia.

And as if that wasn't difficult enough, you then have to choose from their selection of 12 different cheeses, 21 toppings and 16 mouth-watering spreads to create your sandwich - that works out to 17,000 different sandwich combinations.

If you choose a panini, you can pick from nine specialty sandwiches designed to please a variety of tastes. Every panini is served on focaccia bread and can be customized.

Not in the mood for a sandwich? You can also choose one of six salads to satisfy your appetite.

I liked that the prices of the subs, paninis and salads were all the same: $5.95.

One patron agreed and said it was what kept him coming back.

"The food is good and it's not too expensive," Jack Chaney, a student at Asbury Theological Seminary, said. "You get a really good sandwich for the price."

When I went, I chose the "Double Dilly-yo," pairing half of an Italian panini with a Caesar salad and, of course, a spicy pickle.

The Double Dilly-yo is for those of us that want it all for the same price ($5.95). You can choose half of any panini or sub with your choice of soup or salad.

Chaney was right about something else, too.

"It is a spicy pickle," he said.

To explain my experience, here's some background: I love pickles. So much that I can my own in the summer and use a lot of garlic and chili peppers.

Before I tried a "spicy pickle," I thought I was perfectly capable of handling the fiery goodness that the name promised.

I was grossly mistaken.

One bite started a four-alarm fire on my tongue. It even closed my throat a little like only the hottest of spices can do.

I was in luck; the Caesar salad that I ordered was just what I needed to put the fire out. The cool romaine leaves and artichoke hearts soothed my flaming mouth. The light, creamy dressing was even complemented by the heat and flavor of the pickle.

The Italian panini was just what I was craving. The hot sandwich was perfect for the cold weather and the basil mayo spread reminded me of a delicious pesto sauce that complemented the meats and cheese in the best of ways.

My only complaint is that there is only one location in Lexington.

Their sign out front summed up the experience: "Come be invigorated. Tempt your taste buds at the Spicy Pickle."