Since launching three years ago, the catering crew of Gastro Garage has been lighting up LA with their signature “Gastro Tanks.” You may recognize these pyromaniacs from their past media appearances, but seeing their live culinary experience blew me away! They now have a pop-up in Los Angeles running every Thursday – Saturday until February 11th, 2017.

Our Gastro Mechanic Jesse in action

What is a “Gastro Tank”? They’re dishes we all know and love deconstructed, then stuffed in a brioche and filled with a nitrous foam (in a variety of flavors depending on your order) then torched with toppings. These foodie reconstructions were all as tasty as the show is fun to watch! The “Gastro Mechanics” (one part Chef, one part Mechanic) put on a very entertaining show and in total welding garb. WARNING: The guys have a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor and aren’t shy about interacting with guests. They will dish it, and they can take it. So feel free to sass back at them!

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A video posted by Girls on Food (@girlsonfoodblog) on Jan 19, 2017 at 9:04am PST

Since I was at a media preview, all attendees got the Chef’s Choice, and thankfully, they read my mind with Tanks I wanted to try. Below are my favorite items that I sampled.

Helpful hint: The fillings in the tanks are very hot! I recommend waiting about 30 seconds after arrival if your tongue is heat-sensitive.

Cubano Tank

The Cubano Tank was my favorite Savory Gastro Tank. I adore Cubanos, but the toasted bread always hurts the top of my mouth (I can’t be the only one with that problem!). I love that this is made with brioche, it’s so much softer in texture. The Gruyere foam is savory, slightly nutty and pairs perfectly with the pork and pickle.

Drill Bit – Japanese Marinated Short Rib paired with White Cheddar Foam

They also allowed us to sample “Drill Bits”, which are smaller portions of torched meat paired with selected foams. My favorite is the Japanese Marinated Short Rib paired with White Cheddar Foam. TOO DIE FOR! I could take a bath in the White Cheddar Foam. (Seriously Gastro Mechanics, if you’re reading this, let’s film it!)

Torched Maple Glazed with a Maple Gravy Foam

Tonight’s special was Torched Maple Glazed with a Maple Gravy Foam. The carrot comes skewered, and you can dip it into the foam. This dish is sweet, savory and creamy all in one bite.

For beverages, they offer water, Coke (in a bottle!) and a cocktail. The cocktail of choice tonight was a Sunshine Mule, a more cucumber focused version of the classic Moscow Mule.

Princess Buttercup Tank

For dessert, my favorite Sweet Tank was the Princess Buttercup Tank; it’s the most decadent one. Nothing goes better together than chocolate and peanut butter. Clearly, fit for royalty.

This is hands down, one of the most interactive, unique, dining experiences in LA. If you can’t make it in before Feb. 11th, don’t panic, the Gastro Garage will be opening a shop in DTLA in the Summer. We’ll have more details when it’s about to open.

 Get your tickets to the pop-up here, before they sell out!