Gastronomico: Get on the bus to Los Feliz

Gastronomico's cured salmon sandwich

The Gastrobus was one of the earlier stabs a mobile gourmet food, though I never got to try it. As with several other food trucks, the Gastrobus has morphed into a brick and mortar spot called Gastronomico. Tucked in the corner of the same Hillhurst Ave. mini-mall that houses the Drawing Room bar (open at 6 a.m.!), Gastronomico is a handy spot for a neighborhood lunch or supper, with homemade bread for sandwiches and a fine selection of salads and homey soups. The cafe takes its birthplace in a bus possibly a little too seriously, with chrome walls, yellow and black walls and highway signs on the wall. Cute, but seems more like what you'd expect in a hot dog place instead of gourmet sandwiches. (Love the Yelper who called it "an industrious aesthetic.")

Order at the counter of the bus-themed cafe

Anyway, the sandwiches are legit. Cured salmon paired up in a lush way with avocado on a ciabatta bun, and my friend had a Groupon so it wasn't quite as painful to pay $10 for a sandwich. She got the salad sampler, with Brussels sprouts, squash and cauliflower, but felt there could be a few more options for vegetarians on the menu. Sandwiches include Ecuadorian pulled pork ($7.50), grilled cheese, specials like a squid po-boy and an organic turkey burger. A few mains include braised shortribs ($14), free-range roast chicken, crispy pork belly with yams ($11) and fried organic eggs with sauteed greens.

salad sampler makes a light lunch

Lots of sides can be combined for a meal or added to a main course: crispy Yukon gold potatoes, roasted beets, brown rice and kale.
A chance to try desserts like ricotta donut holes with blackberry coulis or banana chocolate upside-down cake sound like they'd make another visit to this slighty odd but sincere spot worthwhile.
Gastronomico
1802 Hillhurst Ave.
323-660-8800