My pick for this year

Some of you may notice there's been a break in posts and with that is good news, I'm officially a nurse on a hospital unit and have been slammed with work and a new schedule!  Hopefully this post can make up for my recent absence, with a place I've definitely identified as a favorite in my neighborhood and a favorite for many locals.

Found in the University corridor, Carnitas Snack Shack has been lauded as top newcomer, a must stop and one of the best eateries in San Diego.  Accolades don't stop there, individual dishes have been considered must eats with special attention to great prices and high quality food.

Snack shack has a great laid back atmosphere and the seating has even been expanded since this picture was taken.  Whether you're under the heat lamps on a chilly day or lounging in the shade on a hot day, you'll find a comfort zone for yourself in the spacious open seating.

If you're looking for something light to start with, I highly suggest the beet terrine.  This little cube contains layers of tomato, beets, spinach, goat cheese and balsamic glaze.  Not only is this refreshing but the richness of the goat cheese really adds a creamy layer that rounds the whole dish out.

You might be so inclined for something a bit more...meaty?  This little cube of goodness is roast pork belly with a sweet chili glaze and an apple radish slaw.  This has been one of the best preparations of pork belly I've ever had (and trust me I've been around.)  The meat melts in your mouth and the slaw is the perfect tart accompaniment to take you into the next rich bite of meat.  I understand a lot of people get turned off by the layer of fat in pork belly, but even if you simply went for the meat on this one, it'd still be worth it purely on great flavor.

The sandwich that's been speaking to a lot of patrons is the Shack pork sandwich. This is a loaded meat sandwich with tender pulled pork as the base, then crunchy schnitzel next and smoky bacon to top it all off.  All the meats are distinct yet really blend well to make a cohesive sandwich without being too overpowering alone.  The peperoncini-pickle relish is that tart element to the rich pork, very consistent in the dishes around here.  For even more contrast, theres creamy morsels of corn on the side that can change things all together.

The shack is even taking classics and adding their own twists.  You couldn't have an eatery sporting excellent pork without a good ol' BLT.  Here the sandwich is elevated with brioche bread, crispy ham and aioli.  This is the definition of simple goodness, bringing all the elements of the classic with just a few mix ins to make unique and a must try.

Ok I get it, maybe pork isn't your thing at the moment.  How about some red meat?  The steak sandwich brings thin sliced ribeye (my favorite cut,) grilled tomatoes, pickled serranos, jalapeno jack cheese, with chipotle aioli all on jalapeno-cheddar bread.  I was lucky enough to have the steak cut thin but cooked rare, if that's your thing I highly recommend asking for it this way.  Every bit of the sandwich is just a win in flavor from head to toe and will knock you out at the end of finishing it.

Ok you've heard about my favorite dishes but don't forget some tasty fries on the side.  The fries are pretty standard shoe-string, but with a nice little peppery dusting.  The real twist is the "ketchup," which is more like a gazpacho or cold tomato soup.  However you see it, it just makes these fries a must order.  I consistently ask them to bottle and sell because I could put that stuff on anything.

This final dish is a special that seems to pop up on mondays at the shack.  This cheesy goodness is a riff on Canada's beloved poutine fries.  They take their seasoned fries and top them off with pulled pork, white cheddar bacon gravy and a bacon crumble.  If there's any special you're going to seek out, patrons and staff will agree this is it.  A perfect combination of crunch and richness from cheese gravy and the salty rich flavor of the pulled pork really make this a perfect dish.  I think any Native San Diegan familiar with Carne Asada fries will really find a comfort zone with this dish and can really enjoy this one.

Carnitas Snack Shack has unique dishes made with great fresh ingredients available to the masses.  I see this place as somewhere to go for great tasting food with hits of gourmet flair but very friendly to the wallet with the menu all under $10.  Chef Hanis has done an excellent job with this place and look out for this name because it's constantly being published.  With that, this place is gaining popularity by the day and they just recently reached their one year anniversary so you know they're still climbing.  For all these reasons, the Snack Shack is my pick of the year (2012,) and a place to be for 2013 when I nurse those cravings.

Carnitas Snack Shack
2632 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104 
(619) 294-7675
Check out their site