On November 12, we celebrate, National French Dip a perfect day to enjoy rich and savoury, featuring tender roast beef on a crusty roll, dipped in flavorful beef broth (au jus). Where you can add the topping with extra cheese, onions, or just the basics, it’s a great excuse to enjoy a classic comfort food.
Where, the beef is typically seasoned and slow-cooked until tender, providing a deep, meaty flavour. The roll or baguette adds a satisfying crunch and a bit of sweetness or earthiness, depending on the type of bread used.
History of National French Dip Day
Did you know that, Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet, situated in Los Angeles, is one of the first restaurants that served the popular French Dip sandwich? However, National French Dip Day was marked on the 110th anniversary of Cole’s restaurant, which opened on November 12, 1908.
Besides, the French dip is a roast meat sandwich where the juices of the roast meat are collected and served separately as a side dish to the sandwich. Besides, the sandwich is then dipped in the gravy where Cole’s began serving the French dip sandwich in 1908. The sandwich was specially prepared for a customer, who had sore gums and could not chew his roast beef sandwich.
Where, the customer asked the restaurant’s chef, Jack Garlinghouse, to moisten the sandwich bread with some roast meat juice. Soon, more and more customers started asking for the same sandwich, and it became one of the top-selling dishes of the restaurant.
However, did you ever know that Cole’s is one of the first restaurants that came up with the idea of serving roast beef juice with their sandwich? After that, another popular restaurant Philippe’s claims that its owner, Philippe Mathieu, is the inventor of the sandwich. Since the day both of the restaurants have been operating since the early 1890s.
| 1930 (The Sandwich Starts to Gain Popularity) | French dip recipes start appearing in American print media. |
| 1989 (Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet Gains National Recognition) | Cole’s is proclaimed a Historic-Cultural Monument of Los Angeles since it is one of the few businesses still in its original location. |
| 2007 (Coles Gets a Massive Renovation) | Coles was transformed by its new owner, a corporation, and reopens in December 2008. |
| 2018 (French Dip Day Becomes a National Holiday) | The first National French Dip Day is celebrated to mark 100 years of the restaurant and sandwich. |
Recipe- Classic French Dip Sandwich
Ingredients:
- For the Roast Beef:
- 1 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- For the Au Jus:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- For Assembly:
- 4 sandwich rolls or baguettes
- 4 slices Swiss or provolone cheese (optional)
- Sautéed onions or other desired toppings (optional)
How to make:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Rub the beef chuck roast with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add 1 cup of beef broth to the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 2.5-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the roast from the skillet and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Heat over medium heat until warmed through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Slice the rolls or baguettes in half. If desired, toast them lightly.
- Layer thin slices of roast beef onto the bottom half of each roll. Top with a slice of cheese if using.
- Place the sandwiches under a broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese, if desired.
- Serve the sandwiches with a side of warm au jus for dipping.
- Add sautéed onions or other desired toppings to the sandwiches before serving.
5 Facts About Roast Beef
-
French people think the English love beef- In the ongoing rivalry between the two nations, the French started calling the English ‘rosbifs’ because the English often had roast beef for their main meal on a Sunday.
- The perfect match- Did you know that Englishmen used to serve Yorkshire pudding as a starter with roast beef?
- A ballad on roast beef- Henry Fielding has written a patriotic ballad called ‘The Roast Beef of Old England.’
- Open-fire roast- Old Englishmen used to cook roast beef on open fires.
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The rich ate beef- During the Middle Ages, eating beef was a sign of wealth and success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National French Dip Day is usually celebrated, on November 12th a perfect opportunity to savour the classic combination of tender roast beef, a hearty roll, and savoury au jus. Whether you prefer it with extra cheese, onions, or just the basics, it’s a delicious celebration of comfort food at its best.
FAQs
What is National French Dip Day?
National French Dip Day, is celebrated on November 12th, is a day to enjoy and appreciate the classic French dip sandwich, which features tender roast beef served on a roll with a side of au jus for dipping.
What is a French dip sandwich?
A French dip sandwich consists of thinly sliced roast beef served on a crusty roll, often dipped in a savoury beef broth called au jus.
How did the French dip sandwich originate?
The exact origin is debated, but it is commonly believed that the French dip was created in Los Angeles in the early 20th century, with various accounts attributing it to either Philippe’s or Cole’s restaurant.
Can I make a French dip sandwich at home?
Yes! You can make a French dip sandwich at home by slow-cooking roast beef, slicing it thinly, and serving it on a roll with a side of homemade or store-bought au jus.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options for a French dip sandwich?
Yes, vegetarian or vegan versions can be made using plant-based meats or mushrooms for the “roast beef” and vegan au jus.
