Philippe's French Dips—Los Angeles History on a Bun
Philippe's French dips are literally historic in Los Angeles. LFP photo
For years there has been a culinary debate (of sorts) raging in Los Angeles—yes, raging—about when (and how) French dips were created and which of two historic downtown restaurants legitimately could lay claim as to being the originator. The two who claim to have created the French dip sandwich are Philippe’s, founded in 1908, and Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet, also founded in 1908. We were planning to review both of these Los Angeles historical cullinary treasures for you, but sadly, we must report that one of the restaurants—Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet—is closed. Gone. History. Thankfully, there's still Philippe's.
Great Cuisine, Early California History at La Golondrina
La Golondrina restaurant. LFP photo
La Golondrina Cafe’s roots go back to 1924 when Consuelo Castillo de Bonzo first opened the doors to La Misión Cafe on South Spring Street. An entrepreneurial and charismatic woman (born in Mexico, she and her widowed mother came to Los Angeles in 1899), she not only became an important voice among the growing Mexican community, but made many political contacts among city movers and shakers. Today, La Golondrina offers some of the best Mexican food in Los Angeles.
When you visit New Mexico, and you’re hungry, you have to think Mexican food. While there are several excellent Mexican-style restaurants in the state, one of the best is Barelas Coffee House in Albuquerque.
Hickok's Legend Sets the Stage for Steaks, Microbrews in Springfield, Missouri
Wild Bill would have loved Hickok's Steakhouse.
The legendary shoot-out between Wild Bill Hickok and Dave Tutt in 1865 lives on in Springfield, Mo., not just in the town square but at Hickok's Steakhouse and Brewery, which by the way, offers up really good prime rib and microbrewed ales and beers.
Good Steaks, Fun Musical Revue at Black Barts in Flagstaff, Arizona
Black Barts Singing Students
Black Bart's Steak House really has good steaks. The problem for us was trying to find the Flagstaff, Arizona restaurant. When we quit looking for a traditional restaurant, and went looking for an RV park, we finally found it, and a good story, too.
Next time you're in Cody, Wyoming, pull up a chair and chow down on some really good prime rib at Buffalo Bill's Irma Hotel and Restaurant. We did, and not only was the food good, we enjoyed a step back into Wild West history.
