Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Larry's Not a GIANT Letdown...

Let me start with saying that I'm not a huge sub guy. I have been to Larry's Giant Subs in the Anna Knapp Shopping Center a handful of times. I have never just 'wanted' to go get a sub. You just kind of end up there because your day got busy and you need quick sustenance and fast food isn't on the agenda. I must admit that I had no idea we were headed to Larry's today, but I must confess a late-night dream of a meatball sub last night. I know what you are thinking; who dreams about food? Usually not me, but it happened.

I think what I have been missing the other times I have visited Larry's was something I had today; an open-mind. Whether it was my 'meatball sub' dream or 'The Fat Boys are Back' on the radio for the ride over, whatever it was, it worked. Sometimes the undefining qualities of a place make or break a restaurant. Today fit in that category nicely. Let me talk about that for a moment. Time from order to food ready averaged about a minute and a half (Really). RJ was the only one who ordered a cold sub and the sub was at the table before he could even fill up his water (yeah he's on the health train again; even though egg salad sandwich isn't very healthy, but I digress). I went with the meatball, because dreams do come true (that's a lesson for the kids out there). It was at a perfect temperature. Good no Great bread. Flavor was nice. The only knock on Larry's in the past has been the chip selection which was actually in good shape today. (Baked Lays -Cheddar/Sour Cream)

Now let me turn to the aforementioned intangibles. We had a 'sandwich runner' that when he brought me my sub said 'Thanks for choosing Larry's'. I really liked that. He was moving around with the fervor of a chicken with his head cut off and the grace of a ballerina. Sandwich running and, for the first time in my restaurant dining career, I saw someone check the bathroom for cleanliness. Yes, it was him. Saw some dirt on the floor so he returned to sweep it up. All the while, he had a smile on his face. Nicely Done Larry's. Maybe he was Larry? A thought left to ponder for next time...

Time: 2 minutes from order to serve. 25 minutes to eat with good conversations. Candidate for 'Fastest Lunch in Mount Pleasant'

Price: 8.08 (no tip needed) nice to-go drink. and the combo was with an 8" sub not the standard 6", and believe me, two inches goes a long way. (Insert Michael Scott quote here)

Atmosphere: Not a great ambiance spot, not as clean as Firehouse, but it wasn't terrible. Probably my least favorite part of Larry's. Bathroom is uni-sex and a one at a time, so I'm just sayin'.

Experience: A nice surprise for a quick lunch with a looming staff meeting at 1:30, no 1, no 1:30.

Highs: Everyone having an enjoyable experience and the "Thanks for choosing Larry's" comment. Good Stuff.

Lows: Awkwardly touching Jay's foot under the table.

Advice: If you are a sub-person: No-brainer, Do it! If not, give it a chance. Big menu, friendly, and decent lunch specials. Have an open mind and try to catch some Fat Boys on the radio for the ride over. It did help.

-Ish

3 comments:

  1. I really enjoyed being the first in line to order and noticed the food prep's listening to my order and beginning to work on it before it was even sent to them. I literally went to grab my chips and sit down and bam! sub delivered by Mr. Friendly. It only took 1min 15sec to receive my amazing Kong's Club. My only complaint comes from the drink situation. They charge 49 cents for a cup of water! What’s next? Charge me for the paper that my receipt is printed on? You’re better than that Larry!

    -T

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  2. Larry's seems to be very consistent and today was no exception...my meatball sub was very tasty and they had my favorite chips today! (Lay's Lite)

    I agree that it was very awkward play footsies with Ish under the table but I thought we played it off nicely....until you mentioned it on the blog for the whole world to see!

    Jay

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  3. I'd like to say that I'm not officially on the train. I'm actually just running after it right now to catch it. I'm making some better decisions for my 10 year reunion in July. Larry's egg salad on whole wheat was delicious. I had Lays Lite chips as well with a water for only $7.10. I give Larry's a 9.0 for today. Good job Larry!

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