Foodcation, Philippe French Dipped Sandwiches, LA

It's a blistering winter afternoon in LA. I'm at the door of Philippe on Alameda Street in Los Angeles the legendary birthplace of a popular sandwich. My family and I are on another (what we fondly call) foodcation. A weekend of visiting places that have been in business for eons, to find out why they continue to be special.

Philippe opened in 1908 and one historic day in 1918 the owner dropped a french roll in pan of hot beef juice. The juice on the beef became a hit hot sandwich, the deli became famous for it's "french dip".

Ordering at the counter at Phillipe

Philippe moved once in the '50's for the building of a modern freeway, it still stands in a comfy place on the corner, a block from Olivares Street, China Town and the train station. Quiet on the exterior,however the inside is bustling and whirling with activity. Inside Philippe the clock seems to have slowed for a glimpse into the past.

The room is nicely warn just like it should be, the bar height community tables scarred with ancient names. Sawdust covered floors seem appropriate, as do the walls punctuated by neon. The heart of the Philippe, a deli counter as long as the room and just as packed. A dozen or so counter helpers, skilled at keeping up, were busy getting orders ready, helping each customer from start to finish.

I'm intrigued by the antique tiny glasses beverages are served in and how ice that sounds like chimes when they are filled. The vast menu offers breakfast to dessert which sound tempting, but I am here for the flagship "Original French Dip".

My sandwich is just as it should be, tender, moist with nose tingling mustard available. The homey potato salad is tasty if you like a boat load of relish,(I do). The cabbage swimming in dressing is tasty...it's coleslaw just like mom used to make.

Plates of French dipped sandwiches, coleslaw and potato salad at Phillipe

I ate every bite my original juicy beef sandwich, shared my coleslaw and scraped up all the potato salad. Every bit humble and delicious meal there is no doubt why Philippe has stood the test of time.

Philippe "The Original" 1001 N Alameda St  Los Angeles, CA 90012

Pinks, a hot dog adventure!

This obscene thing is my lunch. I do not feel guilty at all, not one little bit, I earned it. My husband and I drove 42 miles to have it, and anyone who has driven in L.A., can understand what that's like. We then waited forty-five minutes, on a hot side walk, in full sun, clutching our pink paper menu, preparing to order. Yes, we were rewarded for our effort.

I'm speaking of course of my "12"Jallepeno Dog" from Pinks. This massive beauty protrudes a full 6' off the bun's edge looking like a train parked on a sleeping bag. More like a sausage then a dog, it's riddled with jallepenos, smothered in chili, wispy diced onion and a smidge of mustard. We had some onion rings as well, but to be honest I think they steeped a little long in the grease. A Diet Coke to counter act any damage done by the rings and the dog.

Pinks, is a historical food lover's landmark. Located on La Brea at Melrose in L.A., it morphed from a little hot dog cart in 1939 to a white washed petite shack. Don't let looks fool you, the food is great, the service fantastically patient, and the prices amazingly low. It has been a" star magnet"for years, many celebrity's contributing their autographed pictures to the decor.

I thoroughly enjoyed munching my dog with a plastic fork,(I didn't dare try to pick it up) under a cheerful umbrella,on a clean graffiti free patio. Worth the drive, worth the wait, and way... worth the calories!


Now some guidelines for ordering etiquette at Pinks:

1. 45 minutes is nothing, people have waited hours for their delicious dog, so no whining about the wait. No fidgeting either.

2. With #1 in mind, if you bring anyone under 12 and they can't wait quietly, leave them with a sitter.

3. Read the menu ahead, don't stand in line for an hour get to the front and say, "gee...hummm... what do I want?...  because everyone behind waiting their turn, will kill you.

4. Don't screw with the food, just order off the menu! They have dogs, burgers all kinds of stuff master planned for every taste.

5. Don't annoy the staff, they are working elbow to elbow, and heroically patient. Order pay and move on.

6. Give up any Hollywood fantasy's that you'll be discovered here. Eat and go, I want your table.