The Oinkster2005 Colorado Blvd.

Another new place that recently openned their doors in Eagle Rock is Oinkster. "Slow Fast Food" is their tagline. The place is the concept of fine-dining chef, Andre Guerrero. Taking over the old Jim's Burger joint, they rightly kept the old school architecture and the A-Frame signage. But I do feel like some of it is a little overdesigned and does not feel comfortable to me.

The specialty is house cured pastrami, twice-fried belgium fries and house made dipping sauces.

I went to Oinkster on their second day and have been back several times. On my earlier visits, I thought the portions were on the skimpy side and the staff kept forgetting the sauces, but a lot of the kinks have been worked out by my subsequent visits and the portions have increased. The pic is the Oinkster Pastrami - with Gruyere cheese, caramelized onion and red cabbage slaw.

So how was the sandwich? The Oinkster pastrami was tasty - smoky and peppery. How was the fries? The belgium fries were nice and crispy. But, I wouldn't recommend the fries to go because they are no good when soggy.

The Verdict? I really want to love this place, but it wasn't love at first bite - like Spitz. And even after going back a bunch of times, I can't tell people to drive accross town just to try this joint as a desitination spot. If you are around Eagle Rock and have a craving for pastrami, then Oinkster would definitely fit the bill. Luckily I'm in Eagle Rock, so I'll be by from time to time and support a local eatery.

Oinkster
2005 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock CA (323)255-OINK
www.oinkster.com - info@oinkster.com