Philippe's murderous sinus-blasting French Dijon m...

Philippe The Original at 1001 N. Alameda Street is one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles, established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, who claimed to have created the "French Dipped Sandwich". One day he accidentally dropped the French roll into the juicy roasting pan still hot from the oven. The patron, saying he would take the sandwich anyway, returned with friends asking for more. So the "French Dipped Sandwich" was named because Mathieu was French, OR the French roll OR because the patron's name was French. But to some, Philippe's claim to fame is the unmerciful mustard available for one's French Dipped. It will clear your sinuses and liberal use will hurt. Something's working at Philippe's because despite of (because of?) the old tables and stools, the sawdust on the floor, and the murderous mustard, Philippe's has celebrated its 100th anniversary!