100 Years of Philippe's The Original

(Flickr pic by mseratt99.)

Mark Oct. 6 in your calendar -- it's time to celebrate the centennial of one of L.A.'s oldest restaurants, Philippe the Original.

For the day, prices will be rolled back to TEN CENTS for a sandwich.

It's gonna be a madhouse. But hey, you'll be able to say you were there. Here are the details:

The historic Los Angeles restaurant will celebrate their 100th anniversary and for one day only, on Monday, October 6th, 2008 from 4-8pm, Philippe’s will offer its renowned French Dip sandwiches, available in delicious roast beef, lean ham, tasty turkey, succulent leg of lamb and juicy roast pork at the original price of 10-cents. A cup of their famous 10-cent coffee will sell for five cents.

Three generations of family members who own Philippe’s, famed Los Angeles Dodger peanut vendor Roger Owens, the USC Marching Band, Harpo the Clown, comedian Howard Dover, and the Perfect Gentlemen Accapella Group will all be in attendance to entertain and celebrate.

They are located at 1001 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Check out all of our posts on Philippe's -- including the debate over who invented the French Dip, Philippe's or P.E. Cole's -- here.

The Great French Dip Mystery

(Flickr pic by mseratt99.)

As Philippe The Original -- better known, simply, as Philippe's -- turns 100, the debate over how the French dip was invented rages on. According to the L.A. Times magazine, three theories are in the running:

here are three stories connected with how Philippe's French dipped sandwich was born. In 1951, Mathieu Philippe told a Times reporter, "One day a customer saw some gravy in the bottom of a large pan of roast meat. He asked me if I would mind dipping one side of the French roll in that gravy. I did, and right away five or six others wanted the same." He quickly ran out of gravy. "But," he said, "it put me wise." The next day he had a gallon of gravy ready, but so many people wanted dip sandwiches that he still ran out.

Grandson Philippe tells a slightly different version. "It was frugality on his part," he says. "A fireman came over, maybe it was on a Monday, when there were leftover rolls. [Mathieu] would use them up although they were stale. The fireman complained that the roll was dry, so Philippe dipped it, basically to get rid of the guy." This might be more likely--in 1951, Mathieu may have preferred to credit a customer rather than a stale roll. Needless to say, Philippe's never had much of a problem with stale rolls after L.A. fell in love with French dips.

The most familiar story is that Mathieu accidentally dropped a roll in pan drippings, and the customer who had ordered the sandwich agreed to eat it anyway. This is highly unlikely, because an accident is the lazy explanation people usually come up with when they have no idea how a dish was invented.

The sandwich wasn't originally called the "French dip," but just a dip sandwich. But as reporter Charles Perry writes, Philippe's back then was also informally referred to as "Frenchy's" -- and the name stuck.

Of course, the debate over which came first -- Cole's or Philippe's dip sandwiches -- also remains unresolved.

Father's Day at Philippe's

I've been hungry for a Philippes dip sandwich for what feels like months, but it's been a while since we've made our way to the legendary downtown eatery.

Then came Father's Day. Said Maria: "I know where you want to go!"

I was torn: Hungry for a dip, but I've never tried the almost-as-famous Philippe's breakfast. I decided I could still grab a sandwich, and decided to try the breakfast combo special.


Philippe's for breakfast

Two slices of french toast, dipped in their cinnamon egg batter. Eggs any way (for me, scrambled). Bacon or sausage (went with the sausage). Fresh squeezed OJ. And for five cents more, coffee.

Maria, meanwhile, was hungry for corned beef hash (plus eggs and biscuits), while Kid Formerly Known As Blogger Toddler was happy with a short stack of pancakes.


Our plates

The french toast was fantastic. Eggs and sausage, pretty pedestrian. Pancakes? Nice and fluffy. And Maria enjoyed her hash. On balance, decent.


Coffee and biscuits

What wasn't decent, of course, was the wait. As you know, Philippe's is counter service only -- and when the lines are long, you can wait and wait. And that's when they're making sandwiches. Imagine them filling hundreds of breakfast orders -- the wait was crazy. We stood in line for an hour. An hour. Very few things are worth an hour in line -- nope, not Pink's. And not Philippe's breakfast.

But to be fair, it was Father's Day. And I overheard one of the workers tell a customer, "Yeah, Father's Day is our busiest breakfast of the year. Mother's Day, this place is empty. Guess people like their fathers better!"

Hmm. I'm guessing people are spending a bit more than $6 -- plus a nickel for coffee -- on their moms.

That all said, I'll definitely be back for more french toast -- and those oh-so-fluffy pancakes. But next time, we'll get there early.


The crowd

Rate-A-Restaurant, #49 in a series

Restaurant: Phillippe The Original

Location: 1001 N. Alameda St. Los Angeles CA. 90012

Type of restaurant: French-dipped sandwiches

They stipulated: Make sure you know how to order. Stand in line, order one of the dipped sandwiches, place your money on the tray in front of the counterperson.

What we ordered: Turkey dip sandwiches; side of cole slaw; root beer; lemonade (Maria)

High point: Phillipe's remains the perfect spot when you're downtown and looking for a simple, quick and comfortably tasty way to fill your belly. (And, if you slather the hot mustard on your sandwich, a way to clear your sinuses). Maria's 60 cent lemonade was an excellent deal. Be sure to order the cole slaw and slather it on your sandwich. Liberally add some hot mustard. Yum!

Oh, and free parking. Lots of it. In downtown (!)

Low point: We got there at around 9:30 this time... but we've just missed it in the past. Philippe's closes at 10; sure would be nice if it stayed open longer on the weekends.

Overall impression: Can't believe we've never done a Rate-A-Restaurant on Philippe's, so consider this long over due. Maria and I were downtown to stop by Claude's birthday party in his new digs at the Gas Company Lofts. Cool place, great views... and plenty of great food choices nearby. Looking for a quick bite to eat on the way home, we dopped by Philippe's, the old reliable.

Chance we will go back: Why live in Los Angeles if you don't pay homage to what makes this city great? Philippe's is one of L.A.'s treasures.

An Afternoon at Cole's

Thanks to everyone who made it to Cole's on Saturday to munch on french dip sandwiches and meet a fellow L.A. blogger or two. Making the trek to help us celebrate our 100th restaurant review were Eating L.A.'s Pat, Blogdowntown's Eric, 5th and Spring's Celia and fiancee Trained Monkey's Jim, Wildbell's Will (and his ultracool mom) and wife, Cinnamon Thoughts' Susan, i5nomads' Sean and Pamela, and Baby Astrid and her parents, Rose and Uwe.

I'd visited Cole's before, but had never actually sat down and properly experienced L.A.'s oldest restaurant. I'm glad I finally did. As Eric and Celia elaborated, the owner of the Pacific Electric building (who converted the one time Red Car terminus into lofts, natch) has bought Cole's as well.

Don't worry -- Cole's isn't in danger of closing. But it is in danger of getting a makeover. Some might say it's overdue. But when a place is tattered as long as Cole's has been, it also becomes a question of messing with an institution's character. But bottom line, no one knows what the new owner has in mind for Cole's, so we'll have to wait and see. But you best get down there before August, to take it all in before something changes.


Celia and Jim

As you see in the review below, I dug the sandwiches, although I may still give a slight edge to Phillipe's. Here's what some of the other attendees had to say about the joint:

Susan:

I had the Roast Beef Sandwich Plate with a side of Country Potatoes and Macaroni & Cheese. I had already eaten almost everything on my plate before I realized that I hadn't taken a photo. And although Will said his Corned Beef was tough and fatty [Ed. Note: As you see in the review below, Maria got the same thing -- and also complained about the tough fattiness of it.], my Roast Beef was juicy and tender and the au jus very flavorful.

I'm glad I got to experience the "before". It's so full of history and authentic pieces, but also a little rough around the edges from neglect. I didn't realize that Cole's is sub street level which creates a cave like atmosphere that is usually a must for all qualifying dive bars, especially in the back room where there is no natural light coming in. The business at the bar was certainly picking up as we lingered in the dark back room, beyond which is the Game Room. The tables crafted from old signage and the tiffany glass fixtures are surely authentic. I found it's neglected nooks and dark corners enticing and comfortable,rough edges and all.

Will's mom, Will and Susan

Will:

One can only hope the plan is to bring Cole’s back to a former glory and not try to re-envision it. Having said that, I can see major room for improvement in terms of the decor. Frankly the place was depressing. It’s loaded up with all this old signage and photographs and beautiful Tiffany lighting fixtures, but it’s all just hanging haphazardly and drab and dark and dingy. Not that I want to see it eliminated, just celebrated.

I wish I could celebrate the food and say it made up for the surroundings, but not quite. While Susan thoroughly enjoyed her roast beef frenchie, mom gave a so-so grade to her roast pork, and I was ultimately disappointed with my corned beefer, needing to take a fork and a knife to the tough stuff. It wasn’t bad, just not all that great.

Ultimately I don’t care who “invented” the french dip sammich. Be it Philippe’s or Cole’s — each who lay claim the distinction of doing it first (although Cole’s seems more adamant about it) — the bottom line is that I’m glad both are still around but between the two I’d opt for Philippe’s… their double-dipped lamb sammy with bleu cheese is my fave. Certainly I’ll visit Cole’s again, not sure if it will be before or after the transformation (though I’m glad I got to see it before).

Pat, with blogtowntown's Eric

Pat:

I didn't eat, so I'll let Mike handle the reviewing this time. But I had a good Spaten on tap, and I'm glad I finally got a look at Cole's and got updated on some other Downtown news.

Celia from 5th and Spring and Eric from BlogDowntown filled me in on what's going on with the Cole's building: apparently the building's new owner has applied for several liquor licenses and plans a gourmet market as well, but it's not clear what his plans are for Cole's, the oldest restaurant in L.A. (1908!) So if you haven't been there, try a French dip soon in case they decide to clean it up and hipsterize it. Mike thought Cole's French dips, however, couldn't hold a candle to Philippe's, yet Eric preferred Cole's, so ymmv.

SeanYoda and Pamela Meeko

Sean and Pamela:

It's the sort of place one might expect to meet a secret agent or a shady hangout for beer bottle weilding bloggers at last call. =P They take their sandwiches and history seriously here. It is the original French Dipped sandwich.. yes, the original.

SeanYoda & Meeko parked at the meter outside on 6th, and headed down the corner to Cole's which had an unassuming entrance into a dark cavern of a bar & buffet. You order, you pay and then you sit down. SeanYoda ordered the roast beef sandwich plate which came with 2 sides (he chose mashed potatoes/gravy & green beans). Meeko ordered the pastrami w/ 1 side order of macaroni (which looked good, but was a bit overdone and bland).

We were surprised, in that we expected the dip to be a complete dip perhaps like one might expect at Philippe's the other french dipped sandwich place made famous...

Hungry for Phillippe
L.A. Times food critic S. Irene Virbila gets down and dirty in this week's review, taking a fresh look at the glory that is a French dip sandwich at Phillippe's the Original.

In a city that runs on fast food, Philippe's is an anomaly. Your food comes fast, but it's real. Put a Tommy's burger or a Pink's dog next to one of Philippe's finest and there's no contest. The French dip sandwich is sublimely basic and uncomplicated: slabs of well-roasted meat and a soft, tender bun that wicks up the decadent juices like blotter paper. Philippe's is not the kind of sandwich to eat on the run: It demands the ceremony of sitting down at table with fellow Angelenos.

Phillippe's just celebrated its 95th anniversary -- as if you already didn't have a reason to run down there Friday (sorry, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas-- that's it) for a sandwich. Dammit, I'm craving one now. Thanks, S. Irene (or as Maria and I -- who've never met the critic -- call her, "Sirene").

Ugh, Philippe's, What Happened?

(Flickr pic by mseratt99.)

One of our favorite L.A. landmarks, downtown's Philippe the Original restaurant -- home of the French Dip -- has been temporarily shut down due to a, um, cockroach problem.

Yuck.

As the Los Angeles Times reports that "health inspectors discovered the problem about 11 a.m. Wednesday after conducting an inspection prompted by citizens’ complaints, said Angelo Bellomo, director of environmental health for the Los Angeles County Public Health Department."

More:

He said the restaurant typically receives high scores during routine inspections. County inspectors conducted such an inspection Wednesday, in addition to the probe based on the complaint, and the business scored in the low 90s, Bellomo said.

But inspectors had to close the restaurant for 48 hours to allow the vermin to be removed.

"When you have a violation like a live cockroach infestation, it doesn't matter how good the score is," Bellomo said.

Philippe's could reopen by noon on Friday, inspectors said.

Other recent, notable restaurant shut downs:

Cafe Stella (Silver Lake), Dec. 17-19
California Science Center IMAX (Downtown), Jan. 7-11 (really!)
Cindy's Restaurant (Eagle Rock), Nov. 13-15
Little New York Gourmet (West Hollywood), Dec. 12-14
Main Kitchen - Wilshire Grand (Downtown), Dec. 4-6
Taqueria Jalisco (Mid-City), Nov. 12-17
Three Drunken Goats (Montrose), Feb. 2-4
Ye Coach and Horses (Hollywood), Jan. 22-25

More here.

Sunday in Downtown L.A.: Central Library, Neutra Exhibit and Philippe's

I've hit the 13 year-mark in Los Angeles (yep, the Angelino inside me is now a teenager), and coincidentally, we spent the day in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday. I couldn't think of a better way of celebrating another L.A. milestone.

Maria had been wanting to check out the Central Library's current Getty Gallery exhibit, "Richard Neutra, Architect: Sketches and Drawings," so Evan and I were happy to tag along.

As with all Getty Gallery exhibits at the Library, this one is free. The show puts together a mix of travel sketches, figure drawings, building renderings and more from Neutra, who died in 1970. Renderings seen here include his designs for the Case Study Houses, as well as the drawings for projects such as Neutra's Berlin houses.




(Flickr pic by K Victoria.)

Speaking of the Central Library, there's nothing better than marveling at the second floor rotunda, and then spending some time in the Children's section. (It helps that I've got a 4-year-old with me, of course.) Not only does the children's section boast some pretty cool, Depression-era murals, but its collection of picture books is incredible (above),

Since we were downtown, we also squeezed in a trip to Philippe's for a few French dips. Here's to a lucky 13 in Los Angeles!

Andy Richter Controls the Los Angeles Universe

Andy Richter easily wins the prize for the celeb most readily spotted in regular places around the city.

Most recently, my colleague Kathy wound up standing in front of the "Andy Barker, P.I." star at Philippe's. She writes:

"He was very nice. I asked him what that secret way you're supposed to order is... before I realized who he was. He didn't know either. Isn't there some special thing you're supposed to ask for when you order?

Last year, Maria saw Andy Richter eating alone at Cassell's Hamburgers on 6th in Koreatown, scarfing down a burger.

I've also seen Andy and his family at LAX, waiting for baggage. Another time, I was driving down Highland Ave. -- and hell, there was Andy climbing into his car!

Then there's this tale, from Mark Evanier (link via blogging.la):

So about forty minutes ago, I'm in my friendly neighborhood CVS Pharmacy and a lady shopper comes up to me. She says her "favorite actor in the whole world" is over in the next aisle...and I guess she's so excited about it that she has to tell someone. So she tells me and naturally, I ask, "And who might that be?"

She says, "John Candy," and my immediate thought is just what yours would be in this situation: "I don't think so." As I'm thinking that, she's telling me how much she loved him in Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Let's leave aside the question of how someone could be your "favorite actor in the whole world" and yet you're unaware they died thirteen years ago...

Just then, she points to a gap in the aisles and says, "There he is," and I can see the person she thinks is John Candy. There, wearing a green t-shirt and shorts, is Andy Richter. "Do you think it would be okay if I went up to him and asked for an autograph?" she asks me.

I think to myself, "Hmm...I wonder if Andy Richter would enjoy being mistaken for John Candy. He might get a great anecdote out of it, one he could tell on his next talk show appearance. Or he might just feel insulted...I don't know." I decide to save the lady the embarrassment and I break it to her, as kindly as I can, that John Candy passed away some time ago.

There you have it. Andy Richter, at Philippe's, Cassell's, LAX, on Highland, and at CVS. Stars... they're just like us!

Rendezvous at Union Station

It all started with a plain, Manila envelope, complete with old-fashioned, typewritten label. "What is this?" Maria asked, a tad concerned.



Inside, a letter from "Deputy Chief of Police W.H. Parker," dated June 1, 1949 and on City of Los Angeles stationery (Fletcher Bowron, mayor. Phone number MIchigan 5211.), suggested that we help apprehend a criminal at Union Station. An enclosed invitation from Southern Pacific Lines also invited us to the inauguration of their newest Pullman Club-Lounge car, the Overland Trail.



A third piece of information detailed the State Prison of Southern Michigan escapee: A Detroit farm laborer who looked suspiciously like historic preservationist -- and Los Angeles magazine associate editor -- Chris Nichols.

Of course, Chris emailed us a few days ago to get our address, so it didn't actually take us long to figure it out. But nonetheless, with an invite this cool and this elaborate, it called for a baby sitter. We were heading to Union Station -- yep, the scene of our wedding more than five years ago -- to help celebrate Chris' birthday.

We actually didn't finally commit to doing so until the day of the party. (Getting a sitter is such an ordeal, we hemmed and hawed until finally deciding we should.) As a result, we didn't have any time to find actual 1940s style wear, as the invite subtly suggested. I wound up wearing a suit, and Maria a nice dress, and I think we did OK.



Whatta well thought-out party. We parked at the MTA tower and walked behind Union Station and up a ramp, past the Mosaic apartments and the old Post Office building to find several old, lovingly restored Pullman cars. Turns out there are several private railcars parked near Union Station and available to be rented for events, including the Overland Trail.



Classic cars greeted us, and we were soon walking between parked Pullman train cars, and eventually found ourselves in line for...



... Philippe's dip sandwiches. Damn, I told you Chris thought of everything. As you may have read, I've been jonesing for a Philippe's lately -- so how perfect was this?



The Overland Trail was crowded with folk, mostly in the proper 1940s wear. Someone chastised me for using a digital camera -- not quite in the spirit of the era. But I saw plenty of people taking cell cam shots, so I was pretty discreet in comparison.



Highlights on the Overland included an actual barber cutting hair in the train's mini barber shop. Gotta wonder how many bloody nicks and scratches resulted from actual on-board train haircuts through the years.



Meanwhile, the other rental train car, the Tioga Pass, was once a sleeper car. Among the highlights:



Bunk beds! and



Shower!

Thanks to Chris for the invite. We had an awesome time, and even ran into a few familiar faces, including Eating L.A.'s (and oh yeah, Variety's) Pat Saperstein.

Surviving Jury Duty in Downtown Los Angeles

(Flickr pic by assonfire.)

I actually enjoy jury duty... that is, as long as I don't actually get on a jury.

Not that I don't believe in serving. I do. But being away from work causes enough stress and havoc that I'd prefer just to get it over with in one day, and then await the (inevitable) summons notice again in three years. (Which seems to be the frequency I get these things, like clockwork.)

But for at least one day, it's a nice change of pace -- and a chance to spend a bit more time downtown.

So there I was Monday morning, bright and early (7:45 a.m.!) at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown.

The best part of jury duty, of course, is lunch time in downtown. That means hopping on the Dash bus or walking over to Philippe's for a French Dip at Philippe's. Then, with time to spare before lunch break is over, it's time for a quick walk through Olvera Street in order to chow down on a churro from Mr. Churro. Justice is hungry.

What else do you need to know, besides remembering to park at Disney Hall? Pay attention:

:: Log in to the Superior Court website a day or two before jury service in order to watch the orientation video online. That will buy you some morning time: You'll get to show up at 9:30, instead of 7:45 a.m. That first nearly two hours is mindless, and you'll kick yourself for not having done the early orientation.

:: Bring your laptop -- but don't expect to get a clear WiFi signal. The free WiFi is there, but it's weak; and you'll only be able to access certain websites. Twitter? Nope. Blogger? Nope. Typepad? Strangely, yes. The Los Angeles Times? No. (That's the strangest block of them all.) I'd bring a magazine or newspaper as backup.

:: The tradition of "Maury" and "Springer" in the jury room is over: "There's a TV in the back, but it's broken, so don't bother," we're told. But if I recall correctly, the real reason is this: Jurors were fighting about what to watch -- with some wanting to catch the aforementioned Mssrs. Povich and Springer. The TVs finally had to be pulled all together. (Am I remembering this correctly? I think I remember they even told us this the last time I had jury duty.)

:: During jury appreciation week, which takes place the second week of May: Snacks and drinks are handed out free all week in the jury assembly room. A jury room worker described the week-long event, and then hit us in the groin: "Guess what? It's not this week." BURN.

:: If you've been convicted of a felony, you can't serve on a jury. You're welcome, celebrities!

How TV's Southland Embraced L.A.'s Local Eats

Not only does TNT's "Southland" showcase parts of Los Angeles rarely seen on TV, but it ventures into some of its legendary and lesser-known eateries for some true-to-life color. Among the joints showcased on "Southland": Philippe's, Langer's, Tony's Steak House, El Siete Mares, El Tepeyac (Manuel's special burrito, of course), Cha Cha Cha, S&W Diner, Johnnie's Pastrami, Pacific Dining Car and so many more.

The L.A. Weekly's Squid Ink blog recently asked "Southland" associate producer and location manager Mike Haro to talk about "Southland's" connection with L.A. eateries:

SI: Name a favorite restaurant that's appeared on Southland.
MH: I have several favorites. For us, budget is always a concern, but we were able to film briefly at Bottega Louie. Earlier this year we had a scene where a car totally crashed into a restaurant and we used this really cool Filipino place called Bahay Kubo.

SI: Explain your process step by step: Do you drive around by yourself?
MH: Sometimes yes, sometimes no. The way the show works, I'll get the script and break it down and discuss ideas with the director and production designer. Once they sign off, I will have my scout go out, but oftentimes, because I know the city so well, I'll say, "Go here, and check around these streets." He'll go and come back with whatever he can find in those areas.

SI: When you shoot at a restaurant, is it all visual? How important is it that the Southland cops are shown eating at a place that actually serves delicious food?
MH: We want to have at least some interesting features of the restaurant. But we are also of the belief that whatever is real is real. If we're told to find a certain kind of restaurant, we will. We like to go on locations that are readymade, that we don't have to enhance. The challenge for me and my scouts is to really make sure it fits the character, without having to do anything. A lot of shows dress a location to fit the character. Sometimes that doesn't feel real. It looks art directed as opposed to looking like a real location. I think that's key to our show having that gritty, real look. In the next couple of episodes, you're going to see some locations that we never could have art directed.

Happy 60th, Canter's!

(Flickr pic by Practical Intuition.)

Didn't get a chance to celebrate Philippe's 90th anniversary the other week? Here's a chance to celebrate another L.A. culinary institution: Canter's Deli is celebrating its 60th anniversary on Fairfax by offering its corned beef sandwich on rye, pickle, a taste of potato salad and a chocolate rugelach for just 60 cents.

LAist has more details here. But hurry over -- they're celebrating today fron noon to midnight.

Rate-A-Restaurant #202: Nickel Diner

Restaurant: The Nickel Diner

Location: 524 S. Main (Downtown)




Type of restaurant: Diner



We stipulated: We were planning to meet up with Friend of Franklin Avenue Eric Lynxwiler for breakfast... and I suggested Philippe's, since I love their fluffy fluffy pancakes. But then I discovered that it was the weekend of the Chinese New Year Parade, and figured we should probably avoid the Chinatown traffic. We'd been wanting to try the Nickel Diner, so that actually opened the door to try something new.




They stipulated: Sorry folks, this is 2009 -- nothing costs a nickel. (Above, that's an uncovered mural from long ago, not an actual menu from now.) Meanwhile, as they grow the business, for now the Nickel Diner is open just for breakfast and lunch, on Wednesdays through Sunday.




What we ordered: Mike (above) Not-quite-vegan Ranchero -- grilled tofu on tortillas with beans, cheese, avocado and salsa; $9.25



Maria: Polenta with maple syrup and a choice of bacon (which she chose), chicken apple sausage or ham; $5.50



Evan: Buttermilk pancakes (3); $6.50

and, of course, we bought to go...



Nickel Diner's famed Maple Glaze Bacon Donut.



High point: There was something tasty about that tofu (yes, for breakfast; I know, I like weird things) -- and I was actually pleased that they put regular cheese on it, although had I been vegan, I would have been concerned over the fact that it wasn't soy cheese, as billed in the menu. (Again, fine with me.) It's an interesting menu.

Low point: Well, I did find a hair in my dish -- but was hungry enough to let it go. (I'm very forgiving, apparently. Didn't even mention it to the waiter, perhaps because we were with someone and I didn't want to make a fuss.) I could have also used more coffee; my cup went empty for long periods of time.



Overall impression: There's a lot of promise in the Nickel Diner, and I'd love for it to evolve into Los Angeles' version of SF's Dottie's True Blue Cafe, one of our favorite eateries up there (and, coincidentally, also in a slightly sketchy neighborhood). Parking's a big problem, especially now that the city has upped the price of meters (we lucked out and parked at a broken one). And we could have used a bit more -- a bit more bacon, a bit more coffee.

Chance we'll go back: Yes, as I like the idea of the Nickel Diner a lot -- and would like to try more items before giving up on it. The Dutch Baby pancake sounds great, as does the french toast and blueberry pancakes... so I'll be back. Eventually.

For a complete list of our more than 200 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #140 in a series

Restaurant: The Dip

Location: 6801 Hollywood Boulevard (Hollywood and Highland Center)

Type of restaurant: French Dip sandwiches

We stipulated: Heading to the Hollywood Bowl for the Decemberists show, we had the wine, the crackers, the Spinach Artichoke dip... but no main item to much on. We decided to give the Dip a try at Hollywood and Highland, where we parked.

What we ordered: We split a Turkey dip sandwich ($7.95)

High point: Love their mustard bar -- we tried the familiar Beaver's Spicy Hot Honey Mustard, a Kick Ass-brand habanero mustard and an Australian mustard, among other concoctions. The Australian one won out. As for the sandwich itself, it was cool that The Dip includes extra au jus with your order; the turkey itself was also lean and tasty.

Low point: Too bad the au jus was unexciting, and the bread rather bland.

Overall impression: It's no Philippe's -- but then again, few sandwiches can match the legendary nature of one of the places that invented (OK, OK, not quite invented -- sorry, Cole's) the whole French dip genre. The Dip's two locations (also in Sherman Oaks) are owned in part by "Borat" star Ken Davitian (he played Borat's producer, the rotund Azamat), which lends some hipster cred. Try not to think about the infamous naked wrestling scene between Borat and Azamat while digging into a sandwich.

Chance we will go back: Still, it's a nice alternative to some of the chains and other eateries at the H&H. I do love that mustard selection, and I may want to try the sandwich next time with cole slaw. So I may indeed be back.

(For our complete list of over 140 restaurant reviews, visit our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.)

The San Francisco Chronicle's Silly, Lazy Take on Downtown Los Angeles

I remember sitting in a San Francisco sushi resturant several years ago, eavesdropping on a silly conversation between two locals about how L.A. sucked.

It was the usual cliche take on L.A. from two people who had never lived here. And it baffled me: Why expend so much energy for such a silly, misinformed hate? What's with the inferiority complex up in the Bay Area?

I'm wondering that again after reading the silliest piece I've ever seen about L.A. -- penned by a San Francisco Chronicle contributor, of course.

Writer Steve Rubenstein dragged out every cliche and stereotype in the book for his Chronicle piece on downtown L.A.

But his biggest crime may be sheer laziness. There's obviously a real story to be had about the huge transformation taking place downtown -- something even the New York Times has managed to regularly report on -- yet Rubenstein appears to have no idea. Instead, he sticks to what must be a ratty, ten-year-old guide book, writing about the obvious sites like the Biltmore, Pershing Square and Union Station. And finding ways to crack snide about all of them.

Those spots are fine... for a guide book. You're writing for a newspaper, right Steve? In San Francisco, no less? Perhaps you might want to actually clue readers in on locations they didn't see when they visited 20 years ago? I'm a HUGE Philippe's fan -- but seriously, that's your idea of sharing hot L.A. dining information?

Given the sheer number of people milling about Downtown compared to a decade ago, the title of the article is silly -- "L.A.: Walking where few have walked before." And don't get me started on the idea of comparing Angels Flight to the cable cars.

Like I said, lazy reporting, lazy writing. Get over your inferiority complex, Steve, and come discover something new in L.A. the next time you're in town. We'd be happy to give you a few tips. (And then you might have a story that's worth the Chronicle's freelance pay.)

Introducing... the Gold Line Extension, Opening This Sunday

The Franklin Avenue crew (now four strong!) will be riding the rails this Sunday, taking advantage of the Metro's all-day free entry to the Gold Line.

The long-awaited Gold Line extension to the Eastside now makes it even easier to head over to spots like Boyle Heights and attractions like the Mariachi Plaza (now a stop!) and La Serenata de Garibaldi, one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city.

We're already huge fans of the Gold Line -- we'll frequently take it down to Union Station, for example, for an afternoon strolling around Olvera Street, or for French dips at Philippe's. And of course, the South Pasadena Farmers' Market on Thursday night, located right next to the train stop, is a favorite.

We were also there on day one in 2003, when the Gold Line also offered free rides for its grand opening. Now it's time to celebrate again!

Meanwhile, the always informative Militant Angeleno has put together quite a nifty Guide to the existing, Union Station-to-Sierra Madre portion of the Gold Line. Check it out before hitting the rails on Sunday.

More guides to the new Gold Line extension:

-- Streetsblog takes a tour and review of the new Gold Line extension by bike.

-- The L.A. Times surveys the eating options along the Gold Line.

And here's the official Metro site on the extension.

Taking the Jonathan Gold "Things To Eat In L.A. Before You Die" Challenge

How many of LA Weekly gastroscribe Jonathan Gold's "99 Things to Eat in L.A. Before You Die" have you tried? (Check the full list here.) I counted around 20, including these highlights:

-- Tito's Tacos
-- Langer's hot pastrami
-- Kogi's kalbi taco
-- Casa Bianca's sausage and eggplant pizza
-- Lazy Ox Canteen's Paleron (pot roast) With Kumquats and Cream of Wheat
-- Philippe's French Dip
-- Cole's French Dip
-- Brooklyn Bagel Bakery's hearth-baked bagel
-- Chili John's chili
-- Oki Dog
-- Mozza pizza
-- Nickel Diner's maple bacon donut

In other words, I better get cracking!

We most recently just tried the Lazy Ox's pot roast two weekends ago -- just before the J-Gold list came out. And, of course, my Oki Dog experience was completely inspired by Gold: It was his famed Pico restaurant marathon that inspired our 2007 edition of the Great Los Angeles Walk (including a lunch stop at Oki Dog).

Everyone Walks In L.A.: Two More Urban Hikes

Bust out your Reeboks: Our Great Wilshire Walk last November (above, a pic of participants at the starting point downtown) has inspired two more urban hikes. Both are being thrown by fellow L.A. bloggers -- and one's a doozy.

Blogging.la's (and Wildbell.com blogger) Will Campbell is looking for some company on Feb. 10 as he hikes all 24 miles of Sunset Boulevard, from downtown to the Pacific Coast Highway.

Yowza. That sure makes my 16-mile Wilshire jaunt look like a piece of cake. Sunset is more hilly, lacks sidewalks in spots and is eight miles longer. (That said, I've wondered myself if Sunset were doable in a how-do-I-top-my-Wilshire-hike sort of way.)

But Will has a good reason to test his endurance: He's one of about 100 brave (or shall we say, crazy?!) souls who are participating in both the 21-mile Acura L.A. Bike Tour and the 26.2-mile L.A. Marathon on March 4. You read that right -- two body-thrashing, heart-pounding crushing endurance contests in the same day!

That means some serious training -- including a lengthy Sunset Blvd. jaunt (which sounds like a cakewalk compared to his dual marathon day). He writes:

As I'll also be attempting to complete the marathon on foot -- walking, mind you -- in somewhere around six hours, I need to start getting my ped on and quick. And one way I'm going to do that these next few weeks is by rapidly building up to taking a long walk. A r-e-a-l-l-y long walk.

Drawing inspiration from Franklin Avenue's MIke and Maria and friends who a couple months ago walked the 16 miles from the downtown beginnings of Wilshire Boulevard to its end in Santa Monica, I started looking around town at other avenues and boulevards and it didn't take long for me to settle on the one, the only, the Sunset Boulevard. Thus it will be that after mustering at nearby Philippe's for a 6 a.m. breakfast I will set out at 7 a.m. on Saturday, February 10 from Union Station and hoof it the 24 miles all the way through the wide variety of socio-economic strata to Gladstones on Pacific Coast Highway at the other end.

Sha in LA's Shannon, meanwhile, is planning a seven-mile hike down 6th Street, starting at San Vicente and winding up downtown. No wake-up call here: The walk starts at noon on Feb. 11 (hey, between Will's and Shannon's walks, you could make a weekend of it!) and winds up downtown just in time for a drink.

She writes:

I don't like to wake up early and I'm gonna have a drink when all is said and done. Join me if you wish on a very special day in my life, February 11th, starting out at noon on 6th Street at San Vicente, we will then proceed East toward Downtown enjoying lots of beautiful residential, a little Koreatown, a little industrial and finally a drink....most likely at The Daily Grill although I'm open to nearby options.

Unfortunately, we can't make either hike -- it's Grammy Weekend, and with a nominee in the house we'll be plenty busy! But we'll be throwing our next day-long L.A. hike in November. Until then, it looks like you'll have many more options to explore our city's main drags as well.

'Round the Blog-LA-Sphere

Holy crap, I should trademark that. I better not catch any of you using the term "Blog-LA-Sphere"!

Anyway, I've been off this week -- and yes, yesterday was my birthday -- so posting's been light this week. Just to keep things alive here, I'm going to go the lazy route this morning and letcha know what's going on elsewhere in the... wait for it... Blog-LA-Sphere! (Admit it, it's catchy.) Here goes:


Losanjealous shares the lyrics to the Tito's Tacos theme song, in both English and Spanish.


Blogdowntown asks: What's the story with downtown's "New Story Building"? Eric does a little digging, and finds the answer.


The LA City Nerd presents the Seven Tunnels of Los Angeles.


Best idea I've heard yet on how to divide the "Survivor" teams comes from Kate at Fishbowl LA. Forget the controversial divide along racial lines: Given the large number of Angelenos (including several with past acting jobs), Kate thinks the teams should be aligned in Variety fashion: Pro vs. non-pro.


Best coffee under a dollar, according to the Atwater Village Newbie? The vending machine outside the weight room at the Los Angeles Police Academy.

A reader chimes in, however, and notes the economical coffee at Philippe's.

I'll do one better, and give you a hint on the best free (albeit, vending machine) coffee I've found: The machine at Rusnak Volvo in Pasadena. I almost look forward to bringing Maria's car in for a check-up, because it means I can sneak into the waiting room and fill up on the vending machine Vanilla Latte. It's strangely good -- mostly, of course, because it's free.