Philippe's: The History of the French Dipped Sandwich

A french dip sandwich, also known as a beef dip consists of thinly sliced roast beef (or other meat) on a French baguette style roll.  It is usually served with au jus ("with juice"), that is, the beef juice from the cooking process.  The sandwich in its original form was not served with the cup of dipping juice on the side as we know it today.  Philippe The Original, or Philippe's in Los Angeles is one of the oldest and best known restaurants in Southern California.  Established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, this restaurant has the distinction of having created the French Dipped Sandwich.  At Philippe's the roll is dipped into the hot beef juices before the sandwich is assembled, rather than with the au jus on the side.  It is said the sandwich was invented when Mathieu accidentally dropped a French roll into the beef juice, and a customer offered to eat the roll anyway.  Thus the French Dip was born! 

My hubby, outside Philippe's Restaurant
He reports that the French Dipped Sandwich was mighty tasty!

When in Southern California, be sure to visit Philippe's:

Philippe The Original
1001 N. Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone:  (213) 628-3781
www.philippes.com