It’s football season! On game days, we celebrate by cooking outside with fellow football friends and family. Whether we are tailgating, picnicking or hosting a backyard gathering, cooking on an outdoor grill is always our preference. For the 2022/23 NFL season, we will grill our favorite dishes inspired by NFL game day locations. If it’s game day, let’s grill!
Los Angeles, California
The NFL 2022/23 season kicks off in Los Angeles hosted by the Super Bowl LVI champ Rams on September 8. So our outdoor grilling menu theme is inspired by a long-standing Los Angeles restaurant, Philippe the Original, where French-dipped sandwiches have starred on the menu since 1918. Everything for the sandwiches can be cooked outside at a tailgate or backyard party. Seasoned beef roast is slow oven-grilled for succulent tenderness. The beef au jus is slightly reduced. Soft rolls are dipped or double-dipped and piled high with beef and topped with Swiss cheese. Spicy peppers and mustard are served on the side with individual au jus dipping bowls.
Eating at Philippe’s since 1979
As a college student and young professional in Los Angeles, iconic restaurants, bars and attractions were a constant draw for me. I frequented Los Angeles luminary establishments like Philippe the Original, the Troubadour, May Co. on Fairfax, LACMA, the La Brea tar pits, Canter’s Deli, Cugat’s, Lawry’s the Prime Rib, Pink’s hotdogs, the Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax and the list goes on. Yes, I am dating myself. Some of these iconic spots are past history.
One of my favorite Los Angeles memories is from my college days. My U.S.C. professor for Newspaper Editing class was also an editor at the Los Angeles Times. Our small class of only 15 was invited to tour the Times Newsroom in downtown L.A. It was a great experience and convinced me that I didn’t want to work for a newspaper! After the tour, our professor hosted all of us for French-dipped sandwiches at Philippe the Original.
It’s a fun and casual atmosphere at Philippe’s. Customers wait in line to walk up to the big counter where carvers assemble sandwiches and the many other menu offerings. Then diners find a seat at communal tables or big booths in the back. It’s a memorable experience and so delicious. I have been hooked on Philippe’s ever since. And luckily, not much has changed since my first time in 1979.
Our RoadTripFlavors Game Day Grillers sandwich varies a bit from the restaurant original. The recipe is honed for outdoor cooking ease. It’s sure to be a game day crowd pleaser. And it certainly represents Los Angeles traditions for the Rams season kick off.
Recipe
