Posts tagged French Dip

Sweet Sixteen. That’s right, I’ve been to sixteen different Man v. Food locations as of this post. SO. MUCH. FOOD.

• Orochon Ramen in Los Angeles, California
• Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream in Indianapolis, Indiana
• Al’s #1 Italian Beef in Chicago, Illinois
• Edward’s Drive-In in Indianapolis, Indiana
• Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria in Kennesaw, Georgia
• La Moon in Miami, Florida
• Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami, Florida
• The Old Salty Dog in Sarasota, Florida
• Hot N Juicy Crawfish in Las Vegas, Nevada
• The NASCAR Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada
• Shula’s Steak House in Miami, Florida
• Gladys Knight And Ron Winans’ Chicken And Waffles in Atlanta, Georgia
• The Jack-N-Grill in Denver, Colorado
• The Buckhorn Exhange in Denver, Colorado
• The Vortex in Atlanta, Georgia

Who knew that the “French Dip” sandwich came from Los Angeles?  I didn’t until Joey Snackpants and I talked about it on our way to Phillippe’s.  Located on the edge of Chinatown, Phillippe the Original is a lunch landmark on Southern California.  We walked in on a Saturday afternoon and the line was already to the door.  Check it out:

The place has a very classic feel to it. While the restaurant was EXTREMELY crowded, we only waited a little while. Then we ordered.

Joey went for a sandwich and the chili. I went for the sandwich with a side of blueberry pie. Part of the appeal is the fact that the person at the counter makes your sandwich and gathers your meal in front of you. The cafeteria motif here is in the details, down to being able to order pickles and random sides for less than a dollar on the menu.

In the end, though, it was all about this:

The brilliance of this sandwich lies in the fact that the bread is made just right to absorb the juices without falling apart. The meat is tender and tasty. The bread is soft and juicy.

The only thing that would make it better? This:

I brought some of this EPIC mustard home from L.A. and I plan on buying more if I go back. It’s an ingenious blend that gives just the right kick of spicy flavor. I’ve, since getting back from California, had it with ham (over Christmas) and crab.

I had it first with my French Dip at Philippe’s and IT WAS AWESOME.

Business and conventions will very likely have me heading back to Los Angeles a couple of times in 2012, and I plan to try to make a stop back by again for more sandwichy goodness.