We have here an article and a video about one of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles — a place known variously as Philippe the Original, Philippe's the Original or just Philippe's. In the video below, you'll see the owners using the three names interchangeably so I figure I can, too.
The article is from Eater L.A. It and the video both tell the legend about how its original owner, Philippe Mathieu, accidentally invented its signature item — the French Dip sandwich — by unintentionally dropping a French roll into a pan of drippings.
I am suspicious of these stories of how someone accidentally spilled molten chocolate on ice cream and invented the Hot Fudge Sundae; how someone accidentally dropped chopped meat on a roll and invented the Philly Steak Sandwich; how someone accidentally spilled mayonnaise on floor sweepings and invented cole slaw, etc. Couldn't someone have said, "Hey, I'll bet this sandwich would taste better if I dipped the roll in the pan drippings"? Why is it always an accident?
However they came to be, the sandwiches at Philippe's are great and they aren't great because of exotic spices or various ingredients used to enhance the meat. It's just good meat on a good roll with good pan drippings. The beef is the star and it's probably what you should try the first time you go there but I also love the lamb sandwich and the turkey. Read the article. Watch the video. Next time you're in downtown L.A. at the right hour, go eat a sandwich there. (For a time long before I was born, they were open 24 hours. Wish they still were. I'd go there at all hours.)
Oh — and you can find out more about the place and take a virtual tour at the Philippe's website. Here's the video…