Phillippe's French Dipped Sandwiches was on our list, when we revisited LA recently. We had a very short trip, as it was very Disney centric, but we knew we had to squeeze in an extra day , for our culinary adventures. We started off with Kogi Food Truck , on our first night. Then it was NOBU, for a celebratory dinner. And in between an ultra casual take out (KOGI) and a super fancy dinner, in Beverly Hills(NOBU), Phillipe's French Dipped Sandwiches fitted in perfectly , for one of the lunches. Yes, you guessed it right. I am finally catching up on chronicling my LA Culinary journey. One more post to come in, to complete.
A hundred year old restaurant, with an amazing culinary history. The legend is that the founder Philip Mathieu , while creating a sandwich, dropped the french roll, in the roasting pan , filled with juice, still hot from the oven. The patron, a policeman, said he would take that sandwich anyway. The next day, he returned with his friends, and asked for more Dipped Sandwiches. Thus was born the famous "French Dipped Sandwiches." Its a LA culinary institution, and there's reason why people flock to it everyday. Its located in downtown LA, almost at the edge of China Town.
The decor is old school. You almost feel as if you have traveled back in time. Saw dust on the floor. Vintage pictures on the walls, and even a few old telephone booths.
When you enter the restaurant, you head to the counters. There are around 8 to 10 lines, behind which stand your Carvers. The Menu is displayed behind the counters. So as you wait for your turn at the line, make a mental note of what you want to order. Once you reach the counter, your Carver, takes in your order, makes your sandwiches and gets your drinks, and also processes payment. Its a CASH ONLY restaurant, so make sure you have made a stop at the ATM before you reach.
Then you head , to get a place to sit. Be prepared to share your table with others. We did have to wait for around 5 mins, till we got a table. It was time to dig in.
We ordered for a "French Dipped Sandwich" each, as its the specialty of the house. We opted for Roast Beef as our choice of meet. The other options include roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey and ham. Its served on a fresh baked French Roll,which has been dipped in the natural juices of the roast meat. The choice of Cheese is Cheddar, American, Monterey Jack or Blue Cheese. We went with Cheddar.
Once you take your first bite , you realise why its so iconic. It was moist and juicy. Love how the French roll was lightly textured. You can do a single dip or a double dip. We did a single dip on ours. And that Au Jus in which it was dipped, well, I could drink it by the gallon. It was so flavorful.
My husband, Debashish is a greater culinary explorer than me. So he went ahead and ordered a serving of Pickled Pig Feet. The restaurant prepares and serves almost 300 lbs of pickled pigs feet every week. Pig's feet is pickled in vinegar and a blend of house spices. I cannot get past the texture to enjoy the porky goodness. But my Husband enjoyed it.
When you are at the counter, ordering your food, you cant miss the big jars of Pickled Eggs, with their bright magenta pickling juice. We ordered a couple of those. Hard boiled eggs , are pickled in beet juice, vinegar and a handful of spices. Not only our daughter, but all of us, really enjoyed this treat. It did make for an interesting side. It paired very well, with the sandwiches.
We were very hungry , and also we are always guilty of over ordering. Last but not the least, it was a bowl of hearty Beef Stew. Onion, celery, tomatoes, carrots and chunks of beef, simmered to perfection. On hind thought, I feel we should have ordered two bowls of this.
We had a great time at Phillippe's French Dipped Sandwiches. The entire old school charm and the great food. Next time, I will surely have my Sandwich double or triple dipped, what say !
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