SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - In the morning hours, all is quiet in the 2600 block of University while inside the pint-sized kitchen with a propensity for pig, Hanis Cavin and his crew are busily preparing for the daily noontime onslaught.
The former chef at the Kensington Grill has always dreamed of owning his own restaurant.
"I have a lot of pork dreams. A lot of what I do is around the pig," he said.
At the Carnitas Snack Shack, swine rules. Using farm-fresh produce from small local growers allows Chef Hanis to make his dreams come to life.
The specialty of the house -- the pork sandwich -- is a triple threat.
"It's kind of like the triple whammy. There's a little bit of pulled pork, a pork schnitzel, which is breaded pork loin with pepperoncini relish and then we do bacon on top of that," Hanis said.
And if you are not inclined to swine, the Carnitas Snack Shack turns out the best steak sandwich I've ever tasted.
"For our steak sandwich is a rib-eye," he said.
It's seasoned with chipotle aioli, jalapeno jack cheese and chiles.
Even before the windows of the Carnitas Snack Shack open, the crowd starts lining up.
"We open at noon and we stay open until midnight, and that's six days a week, closed on Tuesdays so we have one day to try and recharge," Hanis said.
While Hanis Cavin dreams of pigs, he's made an epicurean dream come true for foodies looking for inexpensive, farm-fresh pork with a flair. It's a must-try menu -- just head up University to 26th and get in line.
Carnitas Snack Shack
2632 University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 294-7675
