Pinx

Pinx has done it again. My first encounter was a few years ago at a Unilocal event at the Sierra Nevada Torpedo Room in Berkeley. I had the red velvet pancakes with cream cheese frosting and maple bacon. The food was delish and I haven’t found a pancake that lives up to the red velvet since.
A few days ago I enjoyed their brunch at ala Mar in Oakland during Oakland Restaurant week. Since then I can’t get the sweet potato waffle with bourbon Carmel sauce out of my mind. They teased me with a quarter of a waffle. I’m such a fatty I could have devoured a whole bunch. I also liked the crab and shrimp frittata. With a nice amount of crab.
Oh Pinx please answer my foodie prayer and open for brunch on a regular bases. Until then I will stalk you and dream of red velvet pancakes and sweet potato waffles.

I went to a catered breakfast and this company was on point with the food!!! Chicken & Waffles on a stick, maple syrup. This was the best catered food and staff ever.
I decided to hire for a small baby shower and it was excellent. All of guests enjoyed the food and all asked who had made it. I was so glad to say PINX!!! I told all of my friends and family they are a MUST hire!!! Don’t hesitate, do you want a great party they are a MUST!

I first tried Pinx catering at a Christmas party and it was so darn good I said to myself if I ever got married, they would cater my wedding. Well, I got married this past Sunday, and Pinx did an outstanding job helping me put on the wedding of my dreams. From their amazing and unique menu to their care and thought in helping me come up with seating arrangments and dealing with last minute issues of not having enough tables, Pinx was top notch. My only regret is I didnt get to eat any of the appetizers because I was taking photos. But my friends tell me it was the best wedding food they’ve ever eaten, and I agree. We had the lamb, cous cous, strawberry salad, roasted vegetables, jerk chicken and macaroni and cheese for our main meal. It was so good, the food was gone in a flash and people ate the meat southern style so they could get every last bit of it off the bone. My husband is happy we went home with jerk chicken leftovers too. They were affordable, great communicators, and just amazing at the whole thing. I can’t express how awesome my wedding was, and Pinx had a lot to do with that. Thanks!

OMG!!! Their food was amazing! We used them for my birthday brunch for about 20 people. Ordered potatoes, eggs, sweet potato waffles, pancakes, and bacon. I would definitely used them again and recommend them to others.

I used PINX catering for a business Board meeting we had in May and the story is as follows;
I ordered the food well advance of our event date, I had to cancel one breakfast, when I canceled the one breakfast it canceled the entire order which consisted of another breakfast for our visiting guests and dinner. The morning I was to have breakfast delivered at 7:00 am, there was no food delivery and no phone call from PINX. I called at 7:30 am to follow-​up and was told they would have something to us shortly. Two hours later at 9:30, breakfast was delivered, and the food that I ordered was not what they delivered. So instead of receiving farmers market frittata, banana walnut pancakes and chicken apple sausage, we received chicken & waffles. Craig Cooper apologized and told me he would take care of it and we would not be charged for the breakfast. He promised he would make it up with the dinner we had scheduled for later that day. The dinner I ordered was citrus glazed chicken, roasted seasonal vegetables and coconut rice. The dinner was to be served hot. When the dinner was delivered it was in aluminum tins, no chaffing dishes as I had requested. The delivery person had to run out to get sterno for the chaffing dish we used at lunch so this again could be used for dinner. When he returned he purchased sterno for one chaffing dish (we had two), so the rice was placed cold in the chaffing dish. The chaffing dishes were too big for the food that was delivered so the presentation looked horrible. I had to heat up the rice in microwave and place it in the chaffing dish myself. The seasonal vegetables turned out to be collared greens. I have called PINX on several occasions and have contacted them via e-​mail to follow-​up on the credit I was to receive, and the refund I was to receive for a breakfast that I cancelled (May 26). As of today I have not received any response from Pinky or Craig Cooper. I contacted the credit card company today and have disputed the charges for $ 700.
I will not use this catering company again for ANY event.

Had the combo at cherry festival in San Leandro and it was delicious. It was a waffle topped with vanilla ice cream cherries n bacon.

Went to Pixar, got to try PINX, and I’m so impressed. I wish I could go back to Pixar just so I can get more food. First, they had a lot of variety: sweet potato waffles, chicken and waffles, frittata, maple glazed bacon, and fruit.
I tried the sweet potato waffles and they were heaven. It had a caramel bourbon sauce and whipped cream on top and every bite was so good that I got it 3 times. The waffle was crispy and every bite had sweet potato. The best food, however, was the chicken. Their chicken was fried very well and it was also sweet. Not too sweet like candy, but more like a tinge of sweetness that you could taste in each bite. And to top it off, the chicken was juicy. I was at Pixar for 2 hours and had around 4 pieces of chicken because it was so good. I also tried the fruit medley and it was very fresh and food.
I can’t wait to check out PINX at another location because I hear they have fruity pebble waffles now. Yes, you heard me right.

PINX catered our event at Pixar Studios and it was amazing! Craig is incredibly passionate about all the food he serves. The sweet potato waffles and the shrimp frittata were everything. If I could, I would eat his food ²⁴⁄₇. Seriously, ¹⁰⁄₁₀ would recommend over and over. Thanks fort he deliciousness!

No matter what festival, fair or special event that I attend, you can count on me to be on the lookout for PINX!
Where do I begin with this catering company?
I first experienced PINX at an event that I attended and they teased me with some of their good food and let me tell you the food that they cook was BOMB!
Pinx is a catering company in San Leandro and provides not only good food that will have you licking your fingers but also amazing customer service.
I met Damien and Tina at my last Unilocal event and tasted some of Pinky’s good Artichoke Poppers, Vegetarian Flatbreads, and Banana Pudding Trifles. Let me tell you that the Banana Pudding didn’t last long at all! It was the best I’ve ever tasted.
Let me tease you with more of the good food that they make here: Brown Sugar Glazed Lamb Chops, Seafood Pasta, Red Velvet Waffles, Banana & Walnut Pancakes, Stuffed Portobella Mushrooms.
Pinx provides a full range of private event planning and catering services for events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Chef Pinky definitely knows how to throw down in the kitchen! The company caters for Breakfast, appetizers, Entrees and Sandwiches, Salads, desserts, Vegetarian. They also cater for any type of events: Parties, baby showers, weddings… you name it and Pinx’s will hook it up!
If they had an actually store I would be there everyday!
You have to try them to really understand what I’m saying! There are so many festivals happening this summer and I really hope that Pinx’s will be there catering so I can get some more of Pinky’s good food!
I plan to have this catering company at any party I have especially my future wedding!

This review is long overdue, and I don’t know where to begin. The first time I tired Pinx was at the 2011 San Francisco street food festival, it was love at first sight. Since the food festival I have been to numerous events catered by Pinx, and i have even had the pleasure of having Pinx cater my daughters birthday party, a family brunch, a birthday dinner for my great grandmother. Everyone in my family loved the food that was served, and the service from the Pinx team was just outstanding. From the setup, to the presentation, everything looked too good to eat. By the end of the day, my family was already thinking about the next event that Pinx can cater.
The Pinx team is always a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend them for all of your catering needs.

I’m glad I remembered how good Pinx Catering was when they took care of us at my last company. I called and was able to quickly get a customized menu, quote and execution by Pinky — the owner. She was able to accomodate a last minute catering event (150 people) with a delicious menu that left the team wishing there was more.
Citrus-​Roasted Chicken
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
French Green Beans
Peach Cobbler Cake
Bonus: Cookies

I am in LOVE with PINX! Their stuffed sweet potato waffles… OMG, seriously?! Waffles, stuffed with sweet potato and topped with maple syrup. Whipped cream or ice cream if you want it. And the personality on Craig! Hilarious. My favorite line? «You do yoga for your body, you work out… but what about your mouth?! Come on! Do something GOOD for your mouth!»
I really hope this power couple opens a restaurant soon! And, btw, Tara from Brown Sugar, if you are reading, invest in these guys and get them a mainstay. You can’t lose.

We tried Pinx’s sweet potato pie waffle with salted bourbon a la mode at Eat Real 2014. Like other reviewers were saying, it was ludicrously sweet. The caramel sauce was delicious, but there was no sense of balance. If we didn’t get the scoop of vanilla ice cream, it would have been a disaster.
Waffle was okay, but a little soggy. It could have used a little work too. It would take longer, but they could make them thicker, then crisp the outsides prior to adding the toppings.
Employees were super friendly & enthusiastic. Definitely give them an extra star for that.

Pinx @Eat Real 2014
eats: sweet potato waffle with whipped cream (5)
–waffle sweet, flavoring sweet
–only a little bit special
–cashier had to see me take the lst bite. too funny.
3.5 stars

I got to try some Pinx samples at a couple Unilocal Elite events and the Banana Cream Pudding was definitely the standout of all the food samples I tried!
* Banana Cream Pudding: 5 stars all the way! Creamy, dense, chunks of banana, not overly sweet or overly banana-​y.
* Red Velvet Cookies: 4.5 stars. They were incredibly soft, and my boyfriend said they were the best red velvet cookies he’d ever had!
* Sweet Potato Pie: 4.5 stars. I always love this one. Very delicious, great soft crust that holds together well, not overly sweet, and a soft filling.

The caterers deserve more than 5 stars. We never worked with a caterer before but they made it easy for us. They were able to take our vague ideas, help us focus the menu, and finally Pinx turned them into delicious dishes, better than we could ever imagine.
We thought we were throwing them a curve by going off their regular menu and asking for Filipino-​style lechon, moist, fall-​off-​the-​bone roasted whole pig but at the same time, attaining a thin crispy skin (like potato chip crispy). We also asked for lumpia (Filipino egg roll, but lighter) and we had doubts about having it pre-​cooked in their kitchen and then brought to the event site. Would it still maintain its crispiness?
They assured us that they can do that and somehow, Pinx succeeded on both those requests beyond our expectations.
We also thought that since we were hosting a small wedding, that we were too small for any caterer to take us seriously. Pinx — Craig and Pinky — treated us like we were the most important client they ever had.
They came in the morning of the event with their able and well-​trained crew and set up with a minimum of fuss. The lechon was a hit, the vegetables al dente and the salmon cooked slightly rare to the exact wishes of the bride & groom. Pinky’s mother even came in with homemade liver-​based lechon sauce. Gotta get that recipe.
After the event, they cleaned up the kitchen, threw out the garbage, portioned out the leftovers and washed the champagne flutes quickly and efficiently. In all the hubbub of such a celebration, we don’t even know when they left.
All the guests raved about the food. Pinx made our first use of a caterer a wonderful experience and turned a very special event even more memorable. I would not hesitate to recommend Pinx.

If and when Pinx opens up their own restaurant, I will definitely be one of the first to try it.
I came to their pop up kitchen in Oakland with my parents. Pinx had catered a party my mom went to and she loved it. We had a reservation for 10:30am and we were seated close to this time even though they were running a little behind. I’m glad we got here sooner than later because there were a lot of people waiting once we left. It took a little while to get service and get our drinks but I can understand how it would be hectic.
I loved the shrimp and grits! I’ve never had grits before so this was a good first for me. The red velvet pancakes were good and not overly sweet. The bacon might have been the best bacon I’ve had. Thick cut with just the right amount of sweetness. I don’t usually like sweet potatoes, but the sweet potato pie waffle was good. I also bought a Mexican hot chocolate brownie on the way out for $ 5. It was perfectly chewy with a good amount of spice.
As for the negatives, my orange fizz reminded me of alka seltzer and Sunny Delight. They accidentally gave me two and didn’t charge me for the both of them so that made it a little better. The frittata was too salty for my taste. I also thought the food could have been warmer.
Overall, service was good for the most part. Pinky herself and other waiters made sure to check on everyone. The prix fixe menu was worth the $ 15 with reservation, but I’m not sure if it was worth $ 20 without reservation. I do hope Pinx opens up a restaurant someday. I know Pinky is a fellow Filipina so I gotta support her!

PINX PLACE POP-​UP KITCHEN
I attended Pinx Place Pop-​Up Kitchen with my husband and our young daughter. We were met there by various family and friends to gather for brunch. At first, I wasn’t too sure how my husband would react to the fixed menu of items he usually avoids. To my surprise, He enjoyed every bite along with our daughter. We left there full and satisfied. An experience I’m confident they will want to share with me many times.
FIRST COURSE
Shrimp and Grits
— Was not much of a fan of Grits, until now. Succulent shrimp seasoned atop a creamy texture of grits. With a kick of a mild spice, it makes a perfect combination to make me crave for more.
SECOND COURSE
Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze
— My judgement that red velvet pancakes would never be as moist as a cake or cupcakes was proven wrong… The fluffiness and moistness of these pancakes were in every bite. The taste, the BEST red velvet I’ve ever had. Can’t think of any brand, bakery or restaurant I would order these and expect anything less.
Maple Glazed Apple Wood Smoked Bacon
— The portion was more than generous. It was thickly sliced, perfectly glazed with a hearty taste of smoked bacon.
Farmers Market Frittata
— Another menu item usually not my first choice, until now. As I’ve recently added more veggies to my diet, Pinx has changed my palate, introducing me to a whole new way to enjoy this menu item. How could anything made with eggs and veggies be so tender and fluffy… Pinx knows… and now it’smy new favorite.
THIRD COURSE
Sweet Potato Waffles with Salted Bourbon Caramel Sauce and a Fruit Medley
— The Best for Last… Pinx Award-​Winning Sweet Potato Waffles. I had first taste of this during the San Francisco Food Fest. At that time, I went back for seconds and thirds. Today, every bite was like tasting it for the first time again. Soooo Delicious. The waffle was fresh, fluffy with the right amount of richness from the salted bourbon caramel sauce. On the side was a fruit medley of bite-​sized berries in a light cream sauce… Sweet, yet refreshing.
PINX BAKED GOODS include: Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies, Sweet Potato Pie, Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies and Pecan Bars… All generously portioned.
SERVICE
— Great Service! I think of service as a reflection of the owners. The liveliness, professionalism and service of Team Pinx has me impressed. It’s no secret owners, Craig and Pinky Cooper, take pride not only in their business, but in their Team.
Congratulations on such a success!
I look forward to many more Pinx Place events!

Pinx was at the SF Street Food Festival. I had them last year and I’m so glad they were here again this year.
Last year they had the sweet potato waffle. It was BOMB. This year they had the banana’s foster waffle, also BOMB diggity, giggity-​giggity!
And the bacon… well…how can you ruin bacon?! It’s maple glazed too!
Dear Jesus, it took everything in me not to eat my eating buddy’s other piece of the waffle today at the festival while she was off getting my lumpia. It was calling me!
I didn’t know Pinx was a catering business but gee, I may have to look into throwing a random party just so I can have ya’ll cater and make me some waffles!
The guy shouting out the booth next to them was real neat today. I applaud that (because no one was lining up tot he booth next to Pinx, unfortunately). He was a real sport and shouting out the next door booth was really humble, because we all know most of us would line up for some bacon and waffles before we would a cheese puff and s’mores! Just saying.
I can’t wait to go back next year and have another waffle… or two… or three…

PINX T-​shirts: LOVED! Friendly and Energetic Employees: LOVED! Sweet Potato Pie Waffle with Bourbon Caramel Sauce: ME NO LIKELY.
Judging from all the glowing 5 Star Reviews, I guess I’ll be the first black sheep of Unilocalers.
At the 3^rd Annual San Francisco Street Food Festival on Saturday, 8.20.11, Pinx’s booth was very catchy with employees in cute Pinx (hot pink) logo t-​shirts. But what drew us in was their featured item: Sweet Potato Pie Waffle with Bourbon Caramel Sauce. Although it was a creative concept, it just lacked in execution in my book.
SWEET POTATO PIE WAFFLE w/​Bourbon Caramel Sauce ($ 5)
The waffle was too dense and dry for my liking. It seemed like the waffles were previously made and then assembled at the festival so it lacked that fresh-​out-​of-​the-​waffle-​iron crisp exterior with a fluffy soft center. The waffle was already sweet and the addition of the bourbon caramel sauce which was watery made the dessert overwhelming sweet.
Perhaps, I just got a bad batch but I definitely loved Pinx’s concept of «Southern Gourmet». With things on the their catering menu like Smackinberry Fried Chicken Wings, Red Velvet Pancakes w/​Cream Cheese Topping and Peach Cobbler a la Mode I would definitely give Pinx another shot when they unveil their food truck.