A Tale of Two Restaurants: The Complicated History of the French Dip Sandwich

Did you know that the French dip sandwich was invented in California and that 2 L.A. restaurants claim to be the creator? Who do you think did it first? Have you heard any other origin stories? Which restaurant is your favorite?

Special thanks to the homie Joel Lopez for the filming and editing on this video, he is seriously one of the most talented people I know.

Photos:
All photographs were taken from the displays at the restaurants or from their respective websites or social media accounts except for:
Group shot of police officers from Wikimedia Commons

Photo of the Pacific Electric Building from USC Libraries and California Historical Society

References:
“The Century-Long History of Philippe’s and Its Famous French Dip Sandwich” by Jean Trinh, KCET. January 5, 2017.

“Who Actually Invented the French Dip? We Got to the Bottom of It” by Jackson Landers. Thrillist, March 27, 2016.

“Philippe’s Founder Recalls Busy Days: Man Who Made First French-Dip Sandwich Sees Restaurant Bearing Name Close Doors” by LA Times Staff. The Los Angeles Times, Aug. 27, 1951.

Cole’s Menu | Cole’s Website

About Us | Philippe’s Website

“Cole’s Serves a Slice of History” by Steve Harvey. The Los Angeles Times, March 8, 2009.

“A Tale of Two (French) Dips: The Sandwich That People Love to Debate” by Joe Hauler. Los Angeles Downtown News. Jan. 16, 2004.

“Dueling Dips: The Claim of Philippe the…” by Steve Harvey. The Los Angeles Times, Oct. 14, 1993.

“Stale Bread, Leftover Gravy? Voila! A Sandwich is Born” by Cecilia Rasmussen. The Los Angeles Times, Sept. 21, 2003.

Music:
“Plantation” by Omri Smadar
“Picking the Creep” by Lucy Allieres
“Santaphone” by Southside Aces
“Frolic in the Avenue” by Southside Aces
#californiography #philippes #coles #frenchdip #food #sandwich