With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Video: The French Dip, A Classic L.A. Sandwich Rivalry
The French Dip is indisputably counted as belonging to the great American pantheon of sandwiches, and its creation story is centered in Los Angeles. But like so many delicious pieces of history, there's a bit of friendly rivalry embedded in the French Dip's backstory.
Two historic L.A. restaurants, Cole's and Philippe's, both claim to have invented the French Dip. Cole's, L.A.'s oldest public house, located on the ground floor of the Pacific Electric Building opened in 1908. They say that their chef dipped the bread in au jus to accommodate a customer with bad gums. Then there's Philippe's, which was established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, who is said to have "accidentally" invented the French Dip in 1918 when he "inadvertently dropped the sliced french roll into the roasting pan filled with juice still hot from the oven."
A new video takes a look at this very Los Angeles rivalry about a very Los Angeles food item. The real story may never determine if Cole's or Phillipe's came first, but many Angelenos choose sides and stay loyal to their favorite French Dip.
Sponsored message
The French Dip: a tale from Los Angeles from Joris Debeij on Vimeo.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
