If you are like me, you may have assumed that the French Dip sandwich has it’s origins in, well, France. Non! Eeet ees actually from…Los Angeles. Despite my images of Gallic housewives stewing bones in ancient stone farmhouses to render the dipping broth, or Au Jus, that makes this dish unique, it’s generally accepted that the French Dip was created 100 years ago in the City of Angels. That’s not to say there isn’t some controversy about it’s origins. The restaurant Phillipe The Original claims to have invented it, they even have a colorful history about the happy accident. However, it turns out that there is another place, Cole’s PE Buffet, which also claims to have invented the sandwich. Here’s an article in the LA Times with a full review of Phillipe’s and history of the controversy.

If you aren’t familier with this delicacy, check out my video report from a recent visit to Phillipe’s.

Finally, there is a nice recipe to make the French Dip at home at the blog Baking Bites.

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