🥖🇫🇷 French Dip, Reimagined: Chef Janine's Gourmet Keto Classic
- ketogenicfasting
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
A Decadent, Savory Journey with a Low-Carb Twist
📜 A Dish Drenched in History: The French Dip Legacy
Though the name suggests origins in France, the French Dip Sandwich is a proud American invention—its story beginning in early 20th-century Los Angeles. Two restaurants—Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet and Philippe the Original—each claim to have created the sandwich by accidentally dipping roast beef sandwiches into meat drippings.
🏛️ Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet
Cole's is operating at 118 E 6th Street, Downtown LA, continuously at the same location since its founding in 1908.
The historic venue underwent a renovation in 2007. It remains a vibrant part of LA’s dining scene, with its celebrated “Red Car Bar” and classic cocktails alongside its French Dip offerings.
The place opens at 4:00 pm, thus not an option for lunch unfortunately.
🥪 Philippe the Original
Also still going strong at 1001 N Alameda Street in Downtown LA.
Family-owned since 1927, it's one of Southern California’s oldest continuously operating restaurants, known for its communal tables, sawdust-covered floor, and legendary French Dip sandwiches since 1908.
Philippe’s French Dip was named the most iconic dish in L.A. by Los Angeles Magazine. It has been featured on Emeril Lagasse’s Cooking Channel show The Originals, numerous Food Network programs, and highlighted in The Los Angeles Times, Eater, Roadfood, and nearly every major food and news outlet throughout its 100+ year history.
Open daily (typically 6 a.m.–10 p.m.), with brisk business and continuing its heritage service style.
From its humble beginnings, the French Dip Sandwich gained popularity across the U.S. and evolved over decades. Traditionally made with a French roll, thinly sliced roast beef, and served with au jus (meaning “with juice”), it became a steakhouse staple and upscale diner favorite.
In France, open-faced beef sandwiches with dipping sauces existed, but not the exact format. Around the world, variations emerged:
🇬🇧 In the UK, beef-and-onion baguettes with gravy became pub favorites.
🇦🇺 In Australia, roast beef sandwiches were elevated with chutneys or beetroot.
🇨🇦 In Quebec, au jus was swapped with rich poutine-style gravies.
🇺🇸 In the U.S., the French Dip transformed regionally—with cheeses, caramelized onions, and spicy horseradish becoming the norm.
But never before has it been reinvented through the lens of ketogenic nutrition—until now.
🧑🍳 The Keto Transformation: Chef Janine’s Culinary Alchemy
Chef Janine has taken this beloved comfort food and masterfully transformed it into a keto marvel—without sacrificing the deep umami and satisfying textures of the original. Here's how:
🐄 Grass-fed beef replaces conventional cuts, offering cleaner fat profiles and superior flavor.
🧅 Slow-caramelized onions enrich the natural sweetness without sugar.
🧀 Melted Provolone and Mozzarella cheeses provide creamy decadence without carbs.
🌿 Herb-infused au jus is crafted from rich, collagen-boosting beef broth.
🍞 Low-carb hot dog buns (soft, golden, and grain-free) offer the perfect handheld vessel.
🥓 On the side: Crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon and a touch of balsamic vinegar, roasted to perfection.
🥦🥓 Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon: A Gastropub Favorite Reimagined
Once overlooked, Brussels sprouts have become a shining star on modern gastropub menus—and for good reason. Roasted to golden perfection and tossed with crispy bacon, a splash of balsamic, and savory herbs, they strike the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and earthy.
As a side dish for the French Dip Sandwich, they’re a match made in flavor heaven. Their crunchy caramelized edges and bold umami beautifully complement the juicy richness of the beef and the melty cheeses—offering a lighter, fiber-packed alternative to fries that’s fully keto-approved.
A gourmet pairing that satisfies from the first dip to the last sprout. 🥩🥓
🥬🥓 Ingredients & Benefits Table
🥗 Ingredient | 💪 Benefit |
🐄 Grass-fed beef (no hormones/antibiotics) | Rich in CLA, B12, and omega-3s for ❤️ heart & 🧠 brain health |
🧅 Caramelized onions | Adds depth of flavor; sautéed for keto-friendliness 🍳 |
🧀 Mozzarella & Provolone cheese | Low in carbs; high in 🦴 calcium and 💪 protein |
🍞 Low-carb hot dog buns | Keeps the sandwich portable & keto-compliant 🧺 |
🍖 Au jus (beef broth-based) | Mineral-rich and 💧 collagen-boosting |
🥦 Brussels sprouts | High in fiber, 🍊 vitamin C & 🛡️ antioxidants |
🥓 Bacon | Adds crunch, umami, and satiating fats 😋 |
🌿 Onion powder, balsamic, herbs & spices | Flavor boosters without 🍬 sugar or hidden carbs |
🧂 Himalayan pink salt & pepper | Natural 🧪 minerals and ⚡ electrolytes |
🔍 Nutritional Value & General Health Benefits
Per Serving:
Calories: 629 kcal
Net Carbs: 5g
Protein: ~35g
Fat: ~50g
Why It Works:
✅ Supports ketosis with high fat and low carbs 🥓🔥
🩸 Excellent for blood sugar control 💉🛡️
💧 Rich in electrolytes, key vitamins, and essential amino acids ⚡🧪🍃
🕒 Keeps you satiated and nourished for hours 🍽️😌
🍽️ Serving Suggestions: The Art of Plating
Serve the sandwich warm, halved diagonally, nestled on a rustic plate beside a ramekin of steaming au jus. Pile the crispy bacon-Brussels mix to the side with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Optional garnish: a mini ramekin of sugar-free Dijon mustard or horseradish cream.
Ideal for:
✨ Casual week night indulgence
✨ A cozy Sunday lunch
✨ Keto dinner party centerpiece
🍷🥤 Perfect Pairings: Sip in Style
Here are drink pairings that complement the sandwich’s deep umami and roasted veggie notes:
Non-Alcoholic Options:
Sparkling water with lemon & fresh rosemary 🍋🌿
Unsweetened black iced tea with a touch of lemon 🍂
Bone broth shooter as an aperitif 🍵
Low-Carb Wine Pairing
A dry Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel 🍷 (under 3g sugar/glass)
For a lighter touch: a Brut Champagne 🥂
🌟 Final Thoughts: A Classic Reborn, Guilt-Free
Chef Janine’s gourmet keto French Dip Sandwich with Brussels sprouts is more than a meal—it’s a movement. A perfect example of how heritage comfort foods can be lovingly recrafted for modern, health-conscious lifestyles, it delivers satisfaction with every bite and makes no compromise on flavor.
Chef Janine’s vision delivers on flavor, texture, and nostalgia—all while staying true to a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic lifestyle.
So go ahead—dip, crunch, savor, repeat. Keto has never been so indulgent. 😋🥩💚
Stay updated on when this delicious dish will be on the menu by visiting our website: www.myketopal.com .
Bon Appétit!
Chef Janine