Cole's French Dip

This past weekend my lady and I went on an adventure downtown. She told me about Cole's closing and I was like “Okay.” I had not even been there and vaguely knew it existed. She really likes old places and history and wanted to get it before it was gone. We drove there as she battled traffic and evil GPS systems and the line went around the block. This was about an hour after the place opened. We ended up heading to Grand Performances and then headed on the Angel's Flight to discover that Grand Central Market (which we have been to plenty of times) was right there! We had eaten from this Mediterranean food truck before the show because everything was closed. We grabbed some donuts from Mister Donuts and then headed back to Cole's.

My god.

Okay, so for whatever reason our same parking spot was available the next block over so we got in line. She wondered about the online ordering and everything was like “Nope!” We waited in line for about 45 minutes before the guy at the door let us inside which was good because I am one of the few people in this state that hates the smell of weed (people in line and this Jamaican spot next to Cole's supplied it).

We get inside and have to wait some more. Its pretty much as soon as a number of people leave they let that many people inside. You have to order from the bar where the bartenders are also service drinks. I saw some people leave the bar and let my lady know to grab the seats. She finally got my attention as I was about to order and I sat down. It was super loud in there and the music sounded better outside. People are ordering drinks right over your shoulder as you eat. Sure it was better at a table but that wasn't happening. We got a pastrami and a pork French dip because they were out of beef. She liked it. I thought it was fine. They have crazy ass hot mustard for you to use that was like pure horseradish. It also came with garlic fries which were too garlicky for me.

Location: Its literally down the street from Skid Row. As we waited in line I kept my eye on her car. There are homeless people all over and random shouting. Cole's is right on the street so there is cars and buses blasting you with fumes while you wait. Walking back to the car there are hobos all over the place and one carrying a scooter I'm sure he stole.

Price: I didn't pay so I don't know but I'm sure that it cost too much based on what people online are saying.

Service: Long. Not sure what this place was like before the closure announcement but everything is a long wait. Wait outside. Wait inside. Wait for food. Old waiter dude was nice and bartender lady as well. One male waiter was apparently a dick. 

Cheesecake Factory

My lady and I went to the Cheesecake Factory. This time I remembered that the portions here can be crazy big so I didn't get a big ass appetizer like I did last time with them nachos. I got this spicy shrimp appetizer that was really good. Wish the tails were off. I wish everyone would remove the tails. She got a clam chowder where she didn't eat the clam because of a video of a live one she saw recently. They look gross. Her appetizer was crab bits and it was good to her. I got a Cuban sandwich that was good just wish it had more mustard. It was enough for two meals for me. She got this big ass salad and chicken sandwich that was good as well. We skipped on the cheesecake.

Location: Its pretty. We sat outside next to a beach. Parking was about seven bucks and right near the entrance.

Price: This place always seems to cost too much to me because I'm a cheapskate but the portions are so big it makes sense to have it.

Service: Could seriously be worked on. They may be understaffed of something but our waiter had a lot of tables and it took forever for me to see him to get the check and pay for the meal and get to-go boxes.

Alcove And Jeni's Ice Cream

Me trying to stay on track with my food blogs. This weekend I went with Cam to Alcove. We went to a lot of places looking for mulch and donating clothes when she mentioned coming here. I thought we hadn't been here since pre-pandemic but it turns out that we had went in 2022. We got seats pretty fast near where we have sat before. I got a lemonade and chicken sandwich with fries while she got a big ass salad. Damn, that was a really good chicken sandwich. Top three I've had.

After we ate she said we should try this ice cream place that was across the street. As soon as we walked in we went “Ooooh...” It smelled good in there. I decided to get a waffle cone with a double dough. Cam got a popcorn brittle one and a lemon something that were both also good. We just sat there cooling off eating incredible ice cream. It was nice.

All The Food Since February

I know I wait far too long between food posts. Its pretty damn terrible and I have now put myself in a situation where I have a LOT of food to write about since February. I am gonna try my best to remember everything about them. Some will stand out for how good it was. Okay. These will not be in order. Here we go.

Butcher Baker The Cappuccino Maker

One of the favorite spots for me and my lady. We have been here a few times and each time the food is great. I do recall a guy wearing terrible cologne sitting near us this time. I got steak and eggs and it was so good. Their portions have increased since we had last gone. Would definitely go back again and again.