Origins of the French Dip Sandwich are Soaked in Mystery | Gunther Toody's Diner (2024)

FAQs

Where did the French dip sandwich originate? ›

Two Los Angeles restaurants have claimed to be the birthplace of the French dip sandwich: Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet and Philippe the Original.

Two Los Angeles restaurants, Philippe The Original and Cole's, claim to have invented the sandwich in the early 20th century.

French dip in American English

noun. a hot sandwich of roast beef, pork, or lamb, served on a crusty roll over which seasoned pan juices are poured. Also called: French-dip sandwich.

No, Philippe's has been owned by the same family since 1927 – the Martin/Binder/Downey family.

We're told that the English Chip Butty was invented in Northern England by people who apparently had only four ingredients to work with. It's a triple-decker sandwich, buttered bread, and a pile of fries (french or freedom, up to you), and is traditionally a late-night-so-drunk-you'll-eat-anything kind of a food.

The basic concept is the same at both places – Philippe's serves their French Dip “wet” which means that the roll is dipped in the meat juices and then filled with roast beef, Cole's serves theirs with a side of au jus which diners dip their sandwich into.

In 1908, Cole's, inventor of the French Dip sandwich and the oldest public house in Los Angeles was established by entrepreneur Harry Cole and housed in the hollow of the historic Pacific Electric Building, the once center of transit tycoon Henry Huntington's railway network.

According to history, the sandwich we know and love today was created in 1762 in England. Most food historians agree that the sandwich is the product of John Montagu, “the 4^th Earl of sandwich.” Montagu was known for being a problematic gambler, spending hours upon hours at the card table.

French onion dip, made of sour cream and instant onion soup, was created by an unknown cook in Los Angeles in 1954. The recipe spread quickly and was printed in a local newspaper.

French dip sandwiches can be extremely high in sodium and fat. To include them in a healthy, balanced diet, eat them only occasionally and in moderation.

What is French Dip sauce made of? ›

The secret to this best-ever French dip? It's all in the jus. To make it, you're going to place your roasting pan with the beef drippings on the stove top before adding your onions, garlic, thyme, beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, then cook until slightly thickened.

Philippe's was established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, who claimed the distinction of having created the “French Dipped Sandwich.” One day in 1918, while making a sandwich, Mathieu inadvertently dropped the sliced french roll into the roasting pan filled with juice still hot from the oven.

Philippe Mouchel is a chef of many talents, a man of many countries, and a strong candidate for Melbourne's favourite French chef. He has won accolades, awards, and the respect and affection of everyone who has worked with him, or eaten at any of his restaurants.

Triangle sandwiches are at the heart of British food culture. A British earl invented the sandwich, it is said, and the people of this land love the sandwich to this day.