National French Dip Day

A happy customer at an old-fashioned diner, wearing a retro-style apron, enjoying a juicy French Dip sandwich with au jus dipping sauce.. — National french dip day illustration

Hey there, foodies and history buffs! Get ready to sink your teeth into the delicious details of National French Dip Day!

When is French Dip Day?

It's national french dip day on the 12th November.

The Magnificent Origins of the French Dip Sandwich

Picture this: It's the early 20th century, and you find yourself at a cozy little restaurant in Los Angeles. You're craving a tasty sandwich, and the French Dip catches your eye. But hold on – who exactly invented this mouthwatering creation?

Well, the story goes that the French Dip was born out of a happy accident. Two distinct tales surround its origins. The first involves a French immigrant named Philippe Mathieu, who owned a restaurant – Philippe the Original – in downtown LA around 1918. According to legend, one fine day, Philippe accidentally dropped a French roll into some delicious beef juices while making a sandwich for a customer. Instead of starting from scratch, he decided to serve the juicy sandwich as it was, and the customer loved it!

The second story attributes the invention of the French Dip to Henry Cole, another Los Angeles restaurateur around the same time. It's said that a customer came into the restaurant with sore gums, making it difficult to eat the usual harder French bread. In response, Henry dipped the bread in au jus (juices from the meat) to soften it up. And just like that, the delectable tradition of the French Dip was born.

How to Properly Enjoy a French Dip

Now that you know how the French Dip came into existence, it's time to savor every flavorful bite! Here are a few tips to ensure you have the ultimate French Dip experience:

Choose your meat: While roast beef is the traditional choice, you can also opt for other delicious variations like turkey, ham, or even pastrami.
Select your cheese: Classic options include Swiss or provolone, but feel free to choose any melty cheese that tickles your taste buds.
Find the perfect dipping sauce: The au jus, made from the beef's flavorful juices, is the traditional choice. For an extra punch of flavor, consider pairing it with a side of creamy horseradish sauce or spicy mustard.
Don't forget the bread: The French roll is the customary choice, but you can mix things up with a baguette or even a soft hoagie roll.
And remember, it's all about that dip: Take a moment to dip each bite into the au jus before taking a satisfyingly savory taste.

Did You Know?

The French Dip sandwich is so beloved that it even has its own official day to shine – National French Dip Day! Whether you're a dip aficionado or a first-timer, make sure to mark November 12th on your calendar and celebrate with this tasty treat.

History behind the term 'French Dip'

1908

The accidental creation

The term 'French dip' was born in 1908 at the oldest restaurant in Los Angeles, Philippe The Original. One day, as the story goes, a French-style roll accidentally fell into the pan drippings of the roast beef being cooked, giving it a unique flavor. A customer observed this and requested a sandwich with the dipped roll, and thus, the French dip sandwich was born.

1918

The accidental creation

The term 'french dip' originated in 1918 when a local Los Angeles restaurant, Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, accidentally dropped a French roll into the pan containing roasted beef juices. Instead of discarding the roll, the owner, Philippe Mathieu, served it to a customer who didn't mind having it. Thus, the French Dip sandwich was unintentionally invented.

1927

Philippe's - The Original French Dip

In 1927, Philippe Mathieu opened his own restaurant named 'Philippe the Original' which became widely known for serving the French Dip sandwich. Philippe's quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists, solidifying the term 'French Dip' as the preferred name for this sandwich.

1918

Philippe's official introduction

In 1918, ten years after the accidental creation, Philippe The Original officially introduced the 'French Dipped Sandwich' to its menu. They began serving the roast beef sandwich on a French roll, dipped in pan drippings, and served with a side of au jus, which is a flavorful beef broth.

1927

A sibling rivalry

In 1927, Philippe's original location was destroyed in a fire. During the rebuilding process, Philippe's brother, Harry, opened his own sandwich shop nearby and also began serving French dip sandwiches. This sparked a friendly rivalry between the two brothers and their respective sandwich shops.

1951

Philippe's Dispute

A dispute arose between Philippe Mathieu's family and a former employee, Jack Garlinghouse, who claimed to have accidentally dropped the first French roll into the beef juices. The matter was settled in court in 1951, with the judge ruling in favor of the Mathieu family, recognizing Philippe Mathieu as the original creator of the French Dip sandwich.

1951

Trademark dispute

In 1951, a trademark dispute arose between Philippe's and Harry's sandwich shops over the name 'French dip.' To settle the matter, they decided to split the name, with Philippe's using 'French Dip' and Harry's using 'The Original French Dipped Sandwich' on their menus. Both shops continued to thrive, cementing the popularity and recognition of the French dip sandwich.

2001

Philippe's Expansion

To this day, Philippe the Original remains a popular destination and an iconic landmark in Los Angeles. The restaurant has expanded its operations, serving thousands of French Dip sandwiches each week. As a result, the term 'french dip' has become synonymous with this delicious and savory sandwich all over the world.

Current day

Nationwide recognition

The French dip sandwich has become a beloved classic in the United States. It is now widely recognized and enjoyed across the country, with variations including different types of meat, cheese, and bread. Philippe The Original and its friendly rival, Harry's Original, still exist today and continue to serve delicious French dip sandwiches with their unique flair.

Did you know?

Did you know that National French Dip Day is celebrated every year on November 12th? Join in the delicious festivities and discover your new favorite sandwich!