... as in Cole's P.E. Buffet (a place worthwhile) -- R.I.P., my old friend.

I visited this once venerable establishment (@6th & Los Angeles Sts, in the Pacific Electric building) tonight, for the 1st time since its reopening last year. I had simultaneously been excited about and dreaded returning, after showing up for lunch over a year ago to find its doors seemingly permanently closed. Lofts were being built in floors above (essentially the building had been derelict above street level for many years), and I feared the worst. After my return tonight, I'm saddened to report my fears were justified. Gone are the buffet itself, the old Tiffany lampshades, the comfy/funky/Very cool ambiance, the fabulous pickle chips, amazing cole slaw, the back rooms, the once paycheck-cashing window/accompanying alcove and Any reason to defend their French dip sandwich against Phillipe's (who didn't appear until about 10 years after Cole's opened).

I suppose its current incarnation is better than none at all, but, if you know/knew/loved it as it was, this ain't any longer it. A sad loss.

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