French dip sandwich facts for kids
The French dip sandwich is a yummy and popular sandwich. It's usually made with thin slices of roast beef piled high on a long, crusty French roll. What makes it special is the warm, savory sauce called jus (pronounced "joo"). You dip the sandwich into this sauce before each bite!
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What is a French Dip Sandwich?
A French dip sandwich is a delicious meal that many people enjoy. It's a type of hot sandwich. The main ingredients are roast beef and a special kind of bread. The bread is often a French roll, which is long and has a crispy outside but a soft inside.
The most important part of a French dip is the jus. This word comes from French and means "juice." The jus is made from the natural juices and fats that come off the roast beef while it's cooking. It's usually served in a small bowl next to your sandwich. You can dip your sandwich into the jus to make it even more flavorful and juicy.
Where Did It Come From?
Even though it's called a "French dip," this sandwich was not invented in France. It actually comes from Los Angeles, California, in the United States. Two different restaurants in Los Angeles both claim they invented it.
The Story from Cole's
One restaurant, called Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, says they created the sandwich in 1908. Their story is that a customer with sore gums asked for soft bread. The chef, Philippe Mathieu, dipped the bread in the meat juices to soften it. The customer liked it so much that he came back the next day with friends, and the French dip became popular!
The Story from Philippe's
Another restaurant, Philippe the Original, also claims to have invented the French dip. They say their founder, Philippe Mathieu, accidentally dropped a French roll into a roasting pan filled with meat juices in 1918. The customer decided to try it anyway and loved it. This "accident" led to the creation of the famous sandwich.
Both restaurants are still open today in Los Angeles. They both serve their own versions of the French dip sandwich. No one knows for sure which story is true, but both places are famous for this tasty dish!
Images for kids
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A French dip
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French dip, with bowl of jus for dipping
See also
In Spanish: French dip sandwich para niños
