Sometimes I spy a little place to stop and eat when I am not ready to stop and eat. I always think I will remember it when I want to try it later. I finally remembered to stop in at Sweet Peppers Deli on Broad Street.

I was delighted to see two large planters out front with herbs and tomatoes growing in them. I was sure I would get to taste fresh flavors with whatever I ordered (I just hope that no dog had raised his leg to them as he passed by).

The place is bright and cheery when you go in and more room inside than you would think.

I went up to the counter to order and Cassandra was ready to greet me. She asked how I was and I answered with the generic “fine, how are you?” and expecting the “fine, what can I get you?” response. Instead, I got a little bit of Cassandra’s medical history.

I wanted to let her know that I was not a doctor, but I reckoned if I just didn’t try to give her any advice I would not be breaking any laws for knowing all about her health. She was still pleasant and friendly even though she wasn’t feeling good. I really wanted the Greek Hummus salad but I know I need to try different dishes I haven’t tried when I do these little jaunts. I ordered the Mediterranean Panini for $8.88 with the crawfish bisque as my side.

After I fetched my drink from the help-yourself fountain drink bar, I sat down at a clean, non-sticky table (which pleased me). I looked at the overhead menu board and noticed they had several healthy and delicious items reasonably priced. There were about seven different salads, a kid’s menu and, even though most items were considerably healthy – they had a ‘lite-line’ to offer with an appealing ‘turkey and avocado’ sandwich.

The Panini was rather large and I knew I would take half of it home. I liked that it was not greasy and the flavors were fresh and delicious. Of course, I was picky about the salami – it was good, it just didn’t let me know it was there. I think if you are going to eat a meat that ends in “ami” it really should be wonderful to afford the calories.

The bisque was just the way I liked it - not too creamy and with substance! I liked the pieces of crawfish and could taste the flavor of it – I knew it was there!

Casey, my waitress, was the cutest, bubbliest little thing. She did good to check on me without waiting until my mouth was full like some waitresses do. Have you ever noticed that? It is always when you just take a bite when they come and ask you if everything is alright.

I really liked Sweet Peppers Deli and could make it a habit! I would show you a better picture if I hadn’t forgotten my camera. But I did get to take a picture of the other half after I got home. Be sure and check out SPD and tell them Willie Mae sent you!