Foodie Friday - The Original

Believe it or not, there's a bit of a fight in Los Angeles about just who originated the french dip sandwich. Two restaurants share this claim to fame, Philippe the Original and Cole's Originator's of the French Dip. Both places were opened in 1908 and neither one of them is budging an inch about who made the popular sandwich first. They both also have great neon signs and darn good food. 

"Philippe's" 

Philippe's was the first of the originals that I tried. I loved the old brick building, the sawdust floor and the vintage style counter service. Their famous french dip is different from the mainstream version you'll find in that the bread is dipped in au jus instead of the au jus being poured over the meat once it's in the sandwich. Believe me when I say you won't need extra au jus on the side. Cole's was a completely different take on the sandwich, but I'll save that for another Foodie Friday post. I do have to say that of the two places, I prefer Philippe's french dip. 

"The Original" in my Retro Roadside Photo Etsy Shop 

Have you eaten at either Philippe's or Cole's? Do you have a preference? And what's for lunch today?

Happy Friday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - Bring the Green

I don't ever need an excuse to wear my favorite color, but if I did, this Saturday is it. That's right... I will be wearing green every second of St. Patrick's Day. It's not my fault it brings out my eyes. 

In celebration of tomorrow's unique and color specific traditions... green beer, really?... I have two Irish themed Foodie Friday photographs for you. These signs fit together like two peas in a pod. And at this very moment I'm chuckling to myself because peas are green making my analogy even better. Now on to the good stuff.

The first St. Patty's Day beauty is the Shamrock Dinners sign from Yreka, California. Heading north on Highway 99, take the Easy Street exit, take a right and make your way back towards the freeway. The restaurant building is still standing and seems to be rather large. Shamrock Dinners shut it's doors at least 4 years ago and the property was for sale back in 2008. Like most of these closed down places, I can't find a single thing about the restaurant. Based on the sign, I'm guessing they served liquor and food, but that's really not much to go on. I do know that I trespassed to take this shot and was in great fear of being chased off the property. Thankfully my fears were unfounded and this snap was completely worth a little anxiety. A large print of this beauty is on it's way to a new home today. I hear it's going to be the centerpiece of the kitchen decor. 

Not to be left out is Tom Bergin's Steak and Chop restaurant that touts itself as the House of Irish Coffee. Tom's Bergin's Tavern was established in 1936 and has been around for 75 years. They're in the midst of remodeling and apparently are hoping to be around for 75 more to share their Irish heritage with Los Angeles. I must say it's wonderful to see their neon signs in such great shape. Once they've reopened I'll have to return to capture the neon lit at night. I think I"ll have some dinner while I'm at it. I always love a good steak.

 Happy Friday! Enjoy your St. Patrick's Day weekend wherever it may take you.

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - Hey Vince!

A few weeks ago I drove up to Los Angeles to chase some neon over the long weekend. I headed as far east as Rancho Mirage to shoot the most awesome car wash sign ever before making my way back towards the valley. I also stopped off at the World's Famous Dinosaurs of Cabazon but we'll save them for another post. Saturday evening ended in Ontario and Covina where neon signs used to be king.

One of the most amazing signs still standing in Ontario is Vince's Spaghetti. The restaurant opened in 1945 and has been in the same location ever since. Apparently Vince's started as a french dip stand before customers caught sight of a member of the family eating his grandmother's spaghetti. Sorta funny how some business decisions are made... Anyway, more than 60 years later that sandwich stand has grown into a 425 seat restaurant that keeps family friendly hours. 

I stopped by Vince's between lunch and dinner service so they sadly were closed when I photographed their sign. I remember thinking their parking lot was rather large, but it you're going to feed 425 people at a time you're going to need quite a few parking spaces. And a lot of spaghetti. 

So who's got pasta on the menu tonight?

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - It's the Cheese

In the last Foodie Friday post I brought you Canter's Deli, a New York style delicatessen that's been around for more than 80 years. Today's feature isn't quite as old, but at 66 it is still a senior citizen. 

Cheese 'n Stuff Deli was established in 1949 on Central Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona. Their awesome globe shaped sign includes the tag line "From Everywhere" because the deli carries several food items from around the globe. According to their website, a truck load of goodies from New York arrives the third week of every month. So if you're jonesing for something from the city, make sure you stop by then. The site also includes a vintage photograph of Central Avenue and the Deli in all it's glory.

This part of Central Avenue doesn't look remotely the same any longer, but Cheese 'n Stuff has survived. I really wanted to eat at the deli on my trip but sadly they are closed on Sundays. So after staring longingly through the front windows, I photographed their beautiful sign and went on my way. I don't even remember what I had for lunch instead. 

If you've eaten at Cheese 'n Stuff, please send me your recommendations. I want to make sure I order something delicious the next time I'm in Phoenix.

Happy Friday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - Since 1931

One of two Canter's Delicatessen photographs available on my Retro Roadside Photography shop

In need of a Restaurant, Deli or Bakery? You've come to the right place. Canter's is open all day almost every day of the year to feed your food needs. Canter's opened in 1931 but moved to Fairfax Boulevard when the neighborhood changed. In 1953 Canters moved just down the street to it's current location. That's almost 50 years in one spot and it has the neon signage to prove it. 

Canter's on Fairfax

All of the neon, including the signage on the front of the building, is in full working order. I can't wait to take another trip to LA and photograph this sign at night.

 Happy Friday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - King Me Johnnie!

Johnnie's Pastrami for sale on my Retro Roadside Photography shop

A few days ago I featured the Astro Motel and Deano's, two vintage motels on Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City. I thought I'd stick with Sepulveda for the rest of the week and feature Johnnie's Pastrami. 

Johnnie's opened in 1952 and was packed with patrons when I snapped it's photo last year. The food looked mighty tasty and smelled delicious. Why have I always just eaten? Johnnie's vintage neon sign looks as great as the food smelled. I still love the crown dotting the I. It's just classy.

Happy Friday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - Get Lo

Remember that time I ended up in Kingman on accident? I know I told you about it. And I mentioned that the signs were amazing... Well, the Lo's Chinese American Restaurant sign is no exception. I love the color selection, with that pale sea foam green right next to an incredibly deep orange. And then of course there's the yellow arrow filled with bulbs. Who doesn't love classy arrows?

Lo's is just off Route 66 but the sign can be seen from Andy Devine Drive. Across the street is another Route 66 icon and Chinese food spot, the ABC Restaurant. We'll save that shot for another Foodie Friday.

Enjoy your Friday!!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - It's Back!

Just like Motel Monday, Foodie Friday took a short holiday break. This morning it is back with a vengeance and it's sporting a very famous sign.

Randy's Donuts has been standing since 1953, but was originally part of the Big Donut Drive-In chain. The individual stores in the chain were sold off in the 1970s and Randy's Donuts on Manchester was born in 1976. Randy's changed hands one more time in 1978, but brothers Ron and Larry have owned the place ever since. You can even buy a Randy's Donuts mug with their picture printed beside the donut drive through. That my friends is pride.

In addition to being a Los Angeles landmark, Randy's has been seen in a few movies as well. I loved Tony Stark lounging inside the giant donut on the roof while eating his breakfast in Iron Man 2. I was also just a tad jealous.

For even more trivia on Randy's Donuts, you can read their Wikipedia page or check out their website. You know you're big when you make it on Wikipedia. 
One last thing...their glazed donut is darn good.. If you're going to splurge on a donut in LA, drive to Randy's. I was not disappointed.

Happy Friday!

- Stefanie

P.S. And now I'm going to go be a good girl and eat my greek yogurt with fruit. If you're having something a little more sinful this morning, enjoy a bite for me. Much appreciated.

Welcome to Foodie Friday!

Motel Monday is officially more than two months old, so I've decided to add a second weekly post to my blog. Since you can't have a road trip without a room to sleep in and a diner to eat in, I've decided to dedicate the end of work week to vintage restaurant signs. Besides, who doesn't want to go into the weekend thinking about food.

In celebration of Christmas, today's feature is the Grand Canyon Chop Suey Cafe with festive green and red neon lettering. I had just eaten at the Galaxy Diner, another restaurant along Route 66 in Flagstaff before taking this shot so I didn't stop in for a bite of their famous chicken friend steak... but I hear the food is amazing. Next time I'm in Flagstaff, this place is definitely on the list. I want to see their cute diner decor.

I hope you had breakfast!

Happy Friday!

-Stefanie