pork

Let me preface this post by saying that I have been wanting to try the Carnitas Snack Shack for years. YEARS. I built up a lot of hype in my head after seeing it featured on FOODBEAST. It completely met my expectations. Keep reading to find out how…

First, we started out by sharing the Pork Belly App. It was braised duroc pork with a sweet-spicy glaze served with a frisee salad, apples, radishes, and topped with a lemon vinaigrette. I normally don’t enjoy frisee salads, especially with an acidic dressing, but paired with the fattiness and the glaze of the pork, it balanced out the flavors very well. The pork was the perfect fatty to rich ratio and plenty for both of us to share.

We enjoyed the Chicharrons as a nice side to our meal. They were perfectly crunchy and a great substitute for traditional chips or fries. However, they were too salty for me to enjoy more than a few, but that’s the nature of fried pork skin, so I can’t complain.

The Triple Threat Pork Sandwich was my favorite dish of the entire meal, and the one I was least looking forward to. I assumed it was going to be their novelty dish that everyone gets and is famous because of its gluttonous ingredients. I was so wrong. It tasted bomb.com. Not too big, not too small, this sandwich combined pork loin schnitzel, pulled pork, bacon, pepperoncini relish, and aioli into a beautiful masterpiece of a sandwich. For everyone and anyone who loves pork, GET THIS. You won’t regret it!

Last, but certainly not least, the Carnitas Tacos. Compared to the carnitas tacos I get from an unknown stand in Downtown Los Angeles from time to time, these guys are on the pricey side. However, this picture does not do their size justice! They are packed from side to side with carnitas, guac, and pico de gallo. Simple, yet perfect.

All in all, loved it! It was comforting being surrounded by so many pork and carnitas enthusiasts. It made me feel like all was right in the world, if just for a moment. If you’re in the area, you got to visit. They have a location in Del Mar and the original in North Park.

INSIDER TIP: Get there before they open for lunch and start the line. You won’t be sorry you planned ahead.

Click here to view their full menu: http://carnitassnackshack.com/menu/

It is officially summer, and when I think of summer, I think of BBQ. When I think of BBQ, I think of Bludso’s. I have been to both the original location in Compton and the newer location on La Brea in Los Angeles. They are very different from one another. I don’t necessarily have a preference, but there is an occasion for both.

My first trip to the Compton location was a fun one. Not knowing what to expect, we pulled up at 7PM quickly realizing there wasn’t a place to sit, so we quickly arranged the back of the 4Runner to accommodate the feast we were about to embark on. We ordered the Rib Dinner with Baked Beans and Coleslaw, Beef Brisket, and the Pulled Pork on a Bun with a side of Mac & Cheese and extra Cornbread. They ran out of a couple of menu items that we wanted, so that is something to remember the later you go. The Mac & Cheese didn’t really do it for me, but everything else was exceptional. The quality and preparation of the meat was unlike any other BBQ I have had.

Now on to the La Brea location. If you are looking for the same great food, but completely opposite atmosphere, this is the location for you. The interior is full of long tables and booths made for big groups, televisions lining the walls, and a beautiful bar boasting specialty cocktails. The menu is much more condensed in comparison to the other location, and in reality, is more expensive for the portion sizes. However, this doesn’t deter me. Why? Simple. People dining on this trendy stretch of La Brea will pay the asking price to enjoy the atmosphere and the top-notch BBQ. Once again, we enjoyed the Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs, and Brisket with Mac & Cheese and Baked Beans. The ribs were just as delicious as the other location. The meat just falls off of the bone and the rub is superb. The Pulled Pork is more chunky than stringy, but more delicious than any other pulled pork I have had of recent. The best, though, is the Brisket. The meat is so tasty and tender without becoming chewy. Also, I am very particular about my cornbread, and this is definitely in my Top 3.

I will definitely go back with friends to try the signature cocktails and The Tray. For $95, you get 1/2 lb: Brisket – Pulled Pork – Rib Tips – Half Chicken – Full Rack of Pork Ribs – 2 Hot Links – All medium sides plus pickles and cornbread. That sounds like a party to me.

Tag: pork

San Diego’s Carnitas Snack Shack

Bludso’s: BBQ Heaven