Eat a French Dip Before it's too Late!!!

Recession Obsession: French Dipping Like It's 1909 at Philippe's by Caleb Bacon

Pork French Dip With Swiss, Pre-Spicy French Mustard/Photo by Caleb Bacon for LAist

Roadfood pioneers Jane and Michael Stern's new book, 500 Things to Eat Before it's too Late: and the Very Best Places to Eat Them has just hit the bookstores. Don't worry, the title is not a reflection upon the state of your health or a dire prediction of the apocolypse. It's more of a statement on the homogenization of the country's restaurants. Hit the diner and get 'em while they're hot, before they are forced out by the Chili's on the corner.

Los Angeles' bucket list meal is a french dip sandwich. Of course, Phillipe's is the gold standard, but you can also grab a french dip at Taylor's Steakhouse, at the corporate Houston's chain and Bandera in Corona Del Mar. Don't forget the recently rescued Cole's either.

Other LA spots worth a mention were Randy's Donuts, Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, and Musso and Frank's flannel cakes. In the SoCal area, date shakes, garlic fries and fish tacos are also touted as superior local specialties. Unfortunately, San Francisco somehow gets credit for the taco truck. First they take our burritos...

Previously: Interview: Michael Stern of Roadfood, French Dipping like it's 1909 at Phillipe's, Wake up LA: Phillipe the Original, Cole's Re-opening?