When I write about the new stores that open on Range Line Road, I often do not have an opportunity to visit them until after they have opened. So on Friday, I hopped in my little red Honda — wish it were a Corvette, but alas — and visited McAlister’s Deli, The Right Shoe and Unique.

I had lunch at McAlister’s. I was greeted at the door by someone who opened it for me. Nice touch. I walked up to the counter and ordered a Reuben with a side order of coleslaw for $6.59, and a glass of sweetened tea for $1.69. The total was $8.93.

They gave me a placard with a number on it and told me my order would be delivered to my table. I asked the gal behind the counter whether they made their own coleslaw. She said she didn’t know. I ordered it anyway because I like coleslaw, but I’m kind of finicky about it. There are certain restaurants in town that have it on their menus as a side order that really shouldn’t.

One thing I immediately liked about McAlister’s is that it has plenty of help. I also liked the decor and the use of old historic photos of Joplin. I think they’re saying: “OK, we’re new here, but we respect your history.” I appreciate that. Our history is something to be respected.

It was obvious when my Reuben arrived that it had been made by someone who knows how to make a Reuben. The corned beef was tender with a hint of Swiss cheese, and just the right amounts of sauerkraut and thousand-island dressing. It was served on a light toasted rye. I prefer a dark rye, but this worked just fine.

Now for the coleslaw. It was OK, but not spectacular. I ate all of mine and might order it again. The tea, which EVERYBODY orders, was unbelievably sweet. After one and a half glasses — they give you free refills — I was nearly in a sugar coma. So be careful.

The next time I go to McAlister’s, which is in the new Range Line Marketplace at 24th Street, I’m going to order the bacon spud. One was delivered to the table next to me that was big enough to feed two people. Enormous would not describe it.

After McAlister’s, I dropped in at The Right Shoe in Bel-Aire Plaza at 20th Street to visit Mike White, the owner. He was formerly at Northpark Mall. His shop has much more space than the previous one. It’s about 25 steps from the parking lot to the front door. The atmosphere is relaxed. The chairs are comfortable. The help is knowledgeable.

Mike and I had a good laugh about his opening this summer. I prepared a column about his opening and went on vacation. While I was out of town, he called and left messages that he wouldn’t make the opening date that he had told me. He got up at 6 a.m. on a Tuesday, the day this columns appears, and read that his store was opening that day. He was not ready to open. He had empty shelves in his store. Needless to say, Mike put his opening into high gear.

The store has a great selection, including Josef Seibel, Born, New Balance, Clark’s and Florsheim. Mike is the exclusive dealer for a new brand called MBT. This is an odd-looking shoe that appears to have a sole shaped like a rocker. It’s apparently recommended for people with back problems. He also has slip-resistant shoes for people who work in restaurants. Oh yeah, check out the clearance corner.

Finally, I visited Unique, a new spirits and liquor store in the Oakland Plaza at Zora Street. It’s next door to the old Coach’s Corner. Mark Lovelady has done a great job with this venture. He has a bit of everything, including a huge selection of wines and specialty brews. His prices could well be among the most competitive in town — not that I’m an expert.

You know, there are places in town where you can buy liquor where a woman would not feel comfortable walking through the door. This is not one of those places. It’s bright inside and very inviting. If you’re a woman who likes wine, ask him to show you his new Australian wine with the pink label on it. It’s a hoot.

To conclude my visit on Range Line, I had a sip of Jacob’s Creek cabernet that was quite tasty. Of course, I’m not supposed to drink on the job, but duty calls. The truth is, I’m mostly Irish-Cherokee. I learned a long time ago that I can’t drink and type.

Hot news

Denny’s, the first breakfast restaurant on South Range Lane, has closed. It closed last Tuesday, according to a woman whose husband would eat breakfast there most every morning.

That restaurant, a mainstay of the late-night crowd, had been in business since 1971. More to come.



If you have news about something that’s 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.