National French Dip Day

Dipping Deep into the Juicy Origins

National French Dip Day, celebrated annually on November 12th, is a day dedicated to honoring the beloved sandwich that has a remarkable ability to blend juicy beef, crusty bread, and a bowl of savory broth in a way that feels, well, continental. Whether it’s about dipping into au jus or savoring the tender flavors, the French Dip has secured a special place on many menus and in our hearts. So grab your napkin, because this is going to be deliciously messy!

Before you start dreaming of French cafes with beret-wearing chefs serving up this delectable sandwich, let’s clear up one detail: the French Dip is as American as apple pie—just with a French accent. The sandwich was actually born in sunny Los Angeles, California, around the 1910s, though the exact inventor is up for debate. Two restaurants, Philippe the Original and Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet, both claim to have invented it, with their own colorful legends attached.

The Tale of Two Origins

1. Philippe the Original: According to one version, Philippe Mathieu, a French immigrant, accidentally dropped a roll into a roasting pan filled with hot beef drippings while making a sandwich for a customer. Surprisingly, the customer loved it and requested more sandwiches "dipped" in the juices. With that little slip-up, the French Dip was born, or so the story goes.

2. Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet: In another twist, Cole’s claims they came up with the dip by catering to a customer with sore gums, needing a softer sandwich. A little dip in some beef juices softened the bread, and voilà—the French Dip experience was born.

Who really invented it? We may never know, but one thing’s for certain: both restaurants are still open today, and they continue to serve this sandwich with pride and rivalry.

So, What Exactly Is a French Dip?

In its classic form, a French Dip sandwich features thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a crusty French roll—one tough enough to withstand a dunking in the au jus without falling apart. Au jus (French for “with juice”) is the flavorful broth or pan drippings used for dipping. While the traditional beef is popular, you’ll also find variants with lamb, pork, turkey, or even vegetarian options these days. But for purists, the beef version is still the king.

A Key to Enjoying the French Dip: The dipping ritual is half the fun! First, you pick up your sandwich, then take a cautious, artful dip into the steaming bowl of au jus. Don’t rush the process. A hasty dip could lead to too much sogginess, while too little dunking leaves you deprived of that beefy goodness. Finding the right balance? That’s French Dip mastery.

The au jus is the heart and soul of the French Dip experience. This isn’t your average broth—it’s typically made by simmering beef bones, herbs, and vegetables to bring out deep, rich flavors that elevate the sandwich from good to “I need another one” levels. Some French Dip enthusiasts even argue that it’s more about the au jus than the sandwich itself. After all, it’s the dipping that defines the experience, right?

Why Do We Love the French Dip?

Well, what’s not to love? The French Dip offers juicy, tender beef, paired with the satisfying crunch of a crusty French roll, all primed for a dunk in that warm, flavorful broth. It’s a sensory experience from start to finish, with textures that are both crunchy and soft, flavors that are rich and beefy, and an aroma that makes your mouth water long before the first bite.

There’s also a bit of culinary theater in eating a French Dip. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the ritual of the dip. You pick up the sandwich, angle it just right, and give it a satisfying plunge into the steaming au jus, watching the bread absorb every bit of the beefy goodness. Every dip is a mini-event, giving you control over each bite—will it be a light dip for a hint of flavor or a full-on soak for a burst of broth?

The French Dip feels like comfort food with a dash of sophistication. It’s casual enough to eat with your hands, yet refined enough to make you feel like you’re indulging in something special. Plus, unlike a lot of sandwiches, the French Dip demands attention. It’s not something you can multitask with; it draws you in, bite by bite, dunk by dunk.

There’s a satisfying messiness that makes it even more enjoyable, too. That slight dribble down the hand or the spot on the napkin? All part of the experience. It’s a dish that doesn’t require perfection, just enthusiasm—exactly why it’s so universally loved.

Fun Facts and Trivia About the French Dip

• Despite its name, the French Dip has no ties to France (sorry, Paris).
• Both Philippe’s and Cole’s are over 100 years old and remain favorite spots for French Dip fans to this day.
• You can get creative with the au jus—many restaurants now offer variations with added herbs, garlic, and even a dash of wine or cognac for extra flavor.

How to Celebrate National French Dip Day

1. Visit the Originals: If you’re in Los Angeles, stop by Philippe’s or Cole’s and taste the historic rivalry for yourself. You can even try both in one day—many locals do!

2. Make Your Own: Try your hand at crafting a French Dip at home. All you need are thinly sliced roast beef, a sturdy French roll, and a bowl of steaming hot au jus. Just don’t be afraid to make a mess—after all, the more juice, the better.

3. Add Your Own Twist: Experiment with your French Dip. Try different meats, add cheese, or spice up your au jus with some herbs or a splash of sherry. There are no wrong answers here—just delicious options.

4. Host a Dipping Party: Invite some friends over and serve a variety of dips and French Dip sandwiches. Have a taste test and see who can create the best dipping sauce for their sandwich. Extra points for presentation!

5. Keep It Messy: Let loose with your food! Part of the joy of a French Dip is the informal, hands-on experience of dipping it into broth and savoring each bite.

So, on this National French Dip Day, take a moment to appreciate this American-made classic with French flair. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best creations come from happy accidents, and that dipping food into broth is as satisfying as it sounds. And as you take your last savory bite, just remember: a napkin is your best friend, and a good au jus is worth a thousand words—or at least a few satisfied sighs.

Happy dipping!

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