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Saucy Salamander Café
2661 Riva Rd., Annapolis
410-266-1622

You know the feeling: you're hungry for…something, but what should it be? The standard fast-food items just don't appeal. You're looking for out-of-the-ordinary choices and lots of fresh ingredients. Better yet, the option to put together your own satisfying creation.

The Saucy Salamander, a small café tucked away just off Riva Road, could be your destination. The pleasant room with a courtyard view serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. It's a favorite for the 9-to-5 crowd from nearby offices, as well as long-time customers from nearby Ginger Cove and Heritage Harbor.

The lunch menu features some of the area's most interesting salad selections. Try the "Saucy Salad" of mixed greens, red pears, gorgonzola and toasted walnuts with balsamic vinaigrette, or the "Popeye," with spinach, toasted almonds, apples, bacon and chicken with creamy orange dressing. Sandwiches range from The Crate (hot ham and roast turkey with pineapple and cheddar on croissant) to turkey tarragon and cheese steak wraps. There are veggie specials, too, like Hearts & Sprouts (artichoke hearts, tomatoes, toasted almonds, swiss, sprouts and tarragon mayo on wheat pita).

Order off the menu with the café's "Build Your Own" salad or sandwich option. Just circle your choice of meats, cheeses, condiments, dressings (and bread, for sandwiches), send it to the chef and enjoy a meal created just for you. For morning customers, there's a Build Your Own breakfast sandwich, as well as a selection of muffins and bagels.

Celebrating its 25th year in business, the Saucy Salamander opened at its present location in 1997 after a seven-year tenure at the Festival at Riva Center (it still offers catering on and off-site). Owner Rhonda Falcon chose the "salamander" moniker for its culinary meanings-it refers to a colonial-era baking pan, as well as an old-time commercial broiler-and the "saucy" part, she says, describes the fun and spicy side of this special spot.

-Carol Denny