Charley's Grilled Subs has opened in the food court at Northpark Mall. I went there recently to check out this new addition to Joplin's sandwich market.
I ordered a deluxe Philly cheesesteak with french fries and a soft drink. The total came to $7.95 with tax. The deluxe sandwich has slices of mushroom, green pepper and onion that have been grilled. Those are placed on top of a good helping of shredded beef with a slice of white cheese. I think it was provolone.
It was a tasty sandwich that was served hot. I am not a big fan of Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, but this was really good. The fries, which were hot and crisp, were served in a cup. Service was fine.
While I was there, I met someone who is a fan of Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. He gave it a thumbs up, too.
There's a lot more to the Charley's menu than just Philly cheesesteaks. The shop has a large variety of sandwiches and salads that feature grilled meat.
You also get a sandwich card. After your card has been punched seven times for buying any seven grilled subs or salads, you get the eighth choice free. I could see where this could come in real handy for someone who works at the mall or visits there often.
One last thing: The guy who gave his sandwich a thumbs up offered me a tip about where to get good Chicago-style hot dogs in Joplin. He said he found them at Freddy's Frozen Custard at 15th Street and Range Line Road. I'm not a big fan of hot dogs either, but I'll give one a try. It's a great excuse to have some more frozen custard.
Butterfly effect
The Butterfly Koffee Klatch has been like a butterfly in that it has flitted from place to place in recent years. It has now found a home in the former Taco Mayo building at 2830 E. Seventh St.
Because it is so close to Range Line Road - it's directly south of the Toys "R" Us building - I thought I would give it a try for the first time. I'm glad I did, and I'm glad the Butterfly Koffee Klatch has found what appears to be a permanent home.
This is a special restaurant. It's nicely decorated and a comfortable place to meet someone for lunch. It is not a cookie-cutter, franchise restaurant. It has the touch of individuals who are trying to do something different. The proprietors, John and Lisa Longaberger, have created a place where people can get together and have some conversation, and a relaxing bite to eat.
On my first visit, I ordered a large salad with ham and chipotle dressing. It came with a cup of tomato soup, which was the flavor of the day that day. The bill came to $6.89 with tax. My waitress was genuinely attentive.
The salad was fresh and abundant. It had slices of purple onion, cucumber and tomato. Usually when you order ham on a salad, it is served in little cubes. This ham was served in tender slices, and there was a lot of it.
I really like tomato soup. This was probably the second-best tomato soup I have ever had in a restaurant. The title holder for me is still Freda Mae's in Pierce City. Panera Bread also has good tomato soup.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by my first visit to the Butterfly Koffee Klatch. It gets a thumbs up from me. I'm going back.
Before I left, I talked briefly with John Longaberger. He has big plans for the restaurant, including a place where string musicians can perform while you dine. He also intends to add a butterfly atrium. Now that he has a real kitchen for his restaurant, the menu is going to be expanded and will include desserts to accompany the coffees they serve.
To learn more about the menu, you can visit www.thebutterflykoffeeklatch.com.
If you have news about something happening on Range Line Road, dial (417) 623-3480, ext. 7250; or send an e-mail to wkennedy@joplinglobe.com; or send a fax to Wally Kennedy at (417) 623-8598.
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