Updated Mar 27, 2020

This Amazing Taco Trail In Southern California Takes You To 8 Tasty Restaurants

Explore eight top taco shops on the Southern California Taco Trail for a delicious road trip adventure.

Updated Mar 27, 2020

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Published Oct 15, 2024

Dine for Less Than $15 a Person at This Iconic Sandwich Shop in Southern California

Finding delicious, affordable food in Los Angeles is easier said than done, but Philippe The Original has been doing just that since 1908.

Published Oct 15, 2024

Written by

Andrea Verschuyl

As far as American cities go, few are as renowned for their food as Los Angeles. Though Angelenos have earned a reputation as health-conscious and spendthrifts, with gimmicky stores like Erewhon earning think-piece coverage in esteemed publications like The New Yorker, they’re not above cheap and greasy classics. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that Los Angeles is the hometown of one of my favorite lunchtime indulgences: the French dip. Even more incredibly, you can still visit this sandwich’s birthplace! Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, Philippe The Original remains one of the city’s most reliable destinations for delicious and affordable fare!

First opening to customers in 1908, Philippe The Original is one of LA’s oldest eateries. Originally conceived as a French delicatessen by founder Philippe Mathieu, the spot quickly gained traction among Angelenos working in the city’s growing downtown core. But the restaurant’s most iconic dish, the French or beef dip sandwich, landed on the menu a full decade after the shop’s debut. Legend has it that Mathieu was preparing a regular’s order when the sliced French roll he'd be holding fell into a roasting pan filled with beef jus. With a line out the door and a parade of tickets to fill, Mathieu asked if the man would mind taking the sandwich anyway. The customer agreed.

That regular was far from disappointed. In fact, he returned the following day for another "dipped" sandwich. Mathieu was happy to oblige, and before long the French dip went from a serendipitous one-off to a staple of the delicatessen's menu. Today's patrons will find Philippe The Original in the same charming, flat iron building it's occupied since 1951. Though some things have changed — including the makeup of the restaurant's lines, which now include sandwich enthusiasts from across the world — Philippe's has managed to maintain its historic character.

Upon arrival, customers file into one of ten lines directing them past a long display counter to a "carver." This carver acts as your server, cashier, and chef, taking orders, preparing dishes, and passing them off on the spot. The restaurant's unique legacy and atmosphere engenders an unmistakable sense of camaraderie between customers. It isn't uncommon, for instance, to brainstorm orders with other Philippe's patrons while you wait. The prices remain first-rate, too, with the iconic beef dip going for $13.50 a pop.

Now, there's no escaping the reality that fame can rob a beloved local eatery of its magic. As crowds increase, they occasionally displace regulars who've made the restaurant part of their weekly routines for years. I'm happy to say this isn't so at Philippe's, where you're just as likely to encounter a seasoned beef dip enthusiast as you are an eager newcomer. Food journalists have long celebrated the shop's enduring appeal, with critics like Merrill Shindler writing for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, “. . . Philippe’s is more than food. It’s one of those marvelous phenomenons I find myself constantly drawn to in an effort to connect with a bit of L.A.’s too often ignored past... What can I say? It’s Philippe’s. It’s the Original— and it always will be.”

Whether you're just visiting or a die-hard Angeleno, put lunch at this historic LA restaurant on your to-do list.

Stays|Hotels & Resorts

Published Oct 11, 2024

I Enjoyed a Perfect Coastal Retreat at This Mid-Century Hotel and San Diego’s Newest Restaurant

The new Ponyboy restaurant in San Diego makes The Pearl hotel a perfect place to chill for a weekend.

Published Oct 11, 2024

Written by

Natasha Kayes

One thing I love about Southern California (yes, I know I’m biased) is how many unique destinations exist right here in the state - that are easy to drive or even take the train to. You don’t have to go very far to enjoy a refreshing break from the norm. I was recently invited to enjoy a little staycation at The Pearl hotel and its brand new restaurant, Ponyboy, in San Diego. I already love this cool coastal city, but this place was an incredibly pleasant surprise and the perfect quick getaway.

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the writer of this piece was invited on this trip by Modern Currency PR, with expenses covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this piece are their own.

Let’s start with The Pearl itself. I can honestly say that if you’re trying to figure out where to stay in San Diego, this small 23-room hotel is a great choice. The retro style takes you back to the 1960s and offers a chic, Palm Springs kind of vibe. We arrived to a warm and friendly reception and were assigned a corner room upstairs.

I had looked at the website, of course, and read reviews, many of which said the rooms were small but very comfortable. Even so, I was surprised - in a good way. The rooms are not huge but are far from cramped. I think Goldilocks would call them just right.

I absolutely loved the balance between simplicity and luxury, vintage and modern, starting with the wood floors (with bedside rugs so your first morning steps are warm), furnishings, and accents - and, by far, one of the best hotel beds I've slept in. I was very impressed by the thoughtful touches, inviting decor, and careful attention to detail. I felt instantly comfortable and relaxed: just how a hotel room should make you feel (in my humble opinion).

Everything felt purposeful - quality toiletries in pretty, eco-friendly glass bottles, steamers instead of irons and ironing boards, cotton robes, hand-made pottery-style drinking tumblers, and a live plant on the desk. Oh, and I don’t know about you, but I never use the drawers in those bedside tables, and often there aren't plugs on both sides of the bed. So, I found it very cool that The Pearl turned them into flip-down docking stations, each with outlets and USB ports - so clever and convenient!

After checking in, with a bit of time before dinner, we set off to walk around the neighborhood. Point Loma is a vibrant waterfront community with boutique hotels, local businesses, independent cafes and restaurants, and more. We ended up strolling along the waterfront where there is a boat-filled marina, fishing shops, and a great local brewery.

alt — Courtesy of Kimberly Motos/PonyBoy

Back at the hotel, we dined at the best new restaurant in San Diego, Ponyboy, named after the young protagonist in the famous book The Outsiders. Ponyboy is a small-but-elegant cocktail bar and poolside restaurant that is far more than it appears.

If there were only one thing I could say to get you to try it, it would be that the Jidori Kiev Chicken will make it hard to stop when you’re full. Golden and crispy on the outside, paired with the creamiest, most delicious Robuchon potatoes, and rich truffle butter (they literally had me at “truffle butter” before I even tasted it). Absolutely game-changing.

I actually started with the Waldorf Salad. It’s not usually my go-to, to be honest, but dining outdoors by the pool on a perfectly warm afternoon, it just sounded good - and it was yummy, not to mention almost too pretty to eat. In fact, the presentation of everything was just stunning.

The fun specialty cocktail menu is full of innovative takes on familiar classics, several of which were very appealing, but in the end, I opted for the Summer Vodka Collins. No regrets whatsoever. I also heard that the Pink Squirrel and Banana Daiquiri were really good.

After a blissful night’s sleep, we enjoyed breakfast at the poolside bar (included with everyone’s stay.) I would call it a healthy *continental plus* spread with bagels and cream cheese, yogurt, granola, berries, fruit, and a few other goodies, along with fresh coffee, loose-leaf teas, and various juices. I decided to order an oat milk cappuccino (yep, they have espresso drinks, too!) and it was lovely.

After checking out, we left our bags at the front desk and did a bit more exploring before heading home. There is a lot to see in this part of San Diego, which sits on a high peninsula and is home to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Cabrillo National Monument, renowned tide pools, and incredible views of Coronado Island. It is also close to SeaWorld, Old Town, and more.

Ready to plan a perfect little coastal getaway? Check out the Ponyboy website for more information, menus, and more; then make your reservation at The Pearl. Have you had the chance to stay here or dine at Ponyboy? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

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Dine for Less Than $15 a Person at This Iconic Sandwich Shop in Southern California

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I Enjoyed a Perfect Coastal Retreat at This Mid-Century Hotel and San Diego’s Newest Restaurant

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