Carnitas Snack Shack Comes To Del Mar

After a lively discussion at book club in September, several of us met for lunch at the newly opened Carnitas Snack Shack in Del Mar.  It's in the space formerly occupied by The Counter, in the Del Mar Highlands.  The space has been remodeled, and has a lively, full of energy feel to it.  Around the outside of the space are booths are two or four, and in the center are high top tables for four, all put together in a long, family style arrangement.  That way you can come in solo and sit at the family style table, or sit as a group of five, as we did, and feel equally comfortable.

The inspiration for the restaurant was Carnitas Speck, owner Hanis and Sara's mini pig.  One wall in the Del Mar restaurant has a huge pig  sculpted from wood adorning it.  The restaurant opened in 2011, North Park being their first location.  It was an instant success, serving slow food-inspired, pork-centric American cuisine, snacks, and locally crafted beers.

Chef Hanis Garvin was born and raised in San Diego, but his love of cooking took him East to culinary school.  Finally, he returned to his roots in San Diego, and has been a fixture at fine restaurants in the area for many years.  He has cooked at Kensington Grill, Pacific Del Mar, Pacific Coast Grill and Chive over the past 15 years.  He and his partner Sara Stroud, have helped Carnitas Snack Shack earn high marks for creativity and excellence.