In this episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” Guy Fieri takes us to sunny San Diego, California, for a culinary treat that promises to redefine the classic French dip sandwich. The destination? A local favorite known for its mouth-watering Braised Short Rib French Dip.
The Braised Short Rib French Dip
As Guy begins his journey, he highlights that most French dip sandwiches are made using top round or leftover prime rib. But not here. This San Diego gem braises short ribs to create their unforgettable version of the French dip.
The Preparation Begins
The magic starts with the braising liquid. The process involves cooking down a mixture of bacon fat, red onions, celery, and carrots. To this, they add tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, red wine, and beef stock.
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“We bring it to a boil and then just be ready for the short ribs,” the chef explains.
The short ribs are seasoned generously with salt and pepper before being seared on the grill to lock in the flavors. Once seared, the ribs are submerged in the braising liquid and cooked for four hours until they are tender and juicy.
The Sandwich Assembly
Once the short ribs are ready, they are finished in the jus along with caramelized onions. The meat is then placed on a fresh baguette and topped with shredded Gruyere cheese. The sandwich is placed under a salamander to toast the cheese to perfection.
“No salamanders were harmed in the filming of this show, by the way,” Guy jokes as the cheese melts beautifully over the meat.
The final touch is the reduced jus, rich and luxurious, ready for dipping.
Guy’s Verdict
Guy takes his first bite and is immediately blown away.
“The only problem with this is you didn’t serve it in a kiddie pool because if it could get in with the sandwich in the jus,” he quips, emphasizing how he could practically swim in the delicious broth.
He praises the sandwich for its components: the tender short rib, the caramelized onions, the luxurious jus with its hints of red wine, and the perfectly melted Gruyere on top.
“The bread’s fantastic, the jus is luxurious, you get all that nice fat that’s coming from the braising of the short rib, a little touch of the red wine, and the melted Gruyere on top—it’s all the components of what you want a great French dip to be,” Guy summarizes, clearly impressed.
The Rustic Charm
What makes this Braised Short Rib French Dip so special is the attention to detail and the use of high-quality ingredients. The combination of flavors—savory, rich, and slightly sweet from the caramelized onions—creates an experience that goes beyond a typical sandwich.
Why San Diego?
San Diego might not be the first place you think of for a French dip, but this eatery proves that culinary excellence knows no bounds. The coastal city, known for its fish tacos and beachside fare, is now also home to one of the best French dip sandwiches you’ll ever taste.