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Now Open: Carnitas Snack Shack's Hanis Cavin Opens The Pioneer in San Carlos
When classically trained chef, Hanis Cavin, first opened Carnitas Snack Shack, friends nicknamed him “The Pioneer” as no one with his training had ever opened a fast-casual joint in San Diego before.
Now, Cavin is trailblazing again with the opening of a new barbecue restaurant, The Pioneer, in San Carlos.
The Concept
He and partner chef Willie DePasquale, envisioned their chef-driven restaurant as a celebration of the natural flavors coaxed from fresh, hand-sourced ingredients cooked over flames.
“I’m blessed. I’m embracing this neighborhood and my experiences have led me to this place that allows me the freedom to be creative and engaged in the kitchen,” Calvin said.
Calvin and Willie have been collaborating with friend and consultant Ivan Munoz of The Deck at Moonshine Flats for weeks, and it shows in the mastery of flavors he’s presenting in the menu.
The Menu
Pioneer promises great burgers and brews, but it delivers so much more.
Generous portions of smoked meats, like the brisket (smoked daily and served until it sells out), chicken, pork shoulder, sausage, and tender baby back ribs are encased in a divine, crispy char with smoky flavor, and fall-off-the-bone texture.
The smoked meats come unadorned, so you can dress them to taste with hand-crafted Carolina, sweet, and spicy sauces set out on every table.
The menu also includes a plethora of starters served in skillets. Chef Hanis speaks with special favor about his croquettes made with rib meat rolled in bread crumbs, deep fried, and served with an Alabama white sauce.
The so-called “King of Pork” doesn’t disappoint his bacon fans as the salty meat is featured across the menu on everything from burgers to side dishes.
The quality of the ingredients and thoughtful preparation shows when you bite into the oh-so-juicy burgers, which come served with housemade pickles and “crispy fries” (a cross between conventional French fries and potato chips).
The burgers are made with freshly ground brisket chuck he hand-selected from a farm that uses humane practices, and this attention to detail is what really sets The Pioneer apart as a welcome addition to the East County.
The menu will also include “Chef’s Whim”, Cavin’s daily specials, which will allow him space to experiment and get creative in the kitchen.
The Space
The Pioneer invites neighbors to gather in its warm interior, designed by Cohn designer Philippe Beltran who used reclaimed wood from a barn along with vintage sconces to give the restaurant an Old West feel. Beltran paid attention to all the details, infusing a bit of whimsy into the rustic space with artful stenciling.
Sit in cozy booths, intimate tables, or grab a seat at the bar where you’ll find 14 beers on tap and bartenders mixing up specialty cocktails.
The Vibe
Cavin emphasized that he wanted the sit-down restaurant experience to be easy, comfortable, and affordable for his guests.
“We’re going to be able to offer drinks you’d expect to see in the Gaslamp for $17 for about $9 here,” said general manager Mariha Hart.
The details are still be finalized, but expect a fun daily happy hour and a late night happy hour, coming soon.
When asked about his hopes for The Pioneer experience, Chef Hanis paused, an enthusiastic grin spreading over his face as he gave his simple answer.
“We want you to take a little risk, be really surprised, and not have to bust your wallet doing it.”
8622 Lake Murray Boulevard, San Carlos, San Diego
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:30am-10pm; Friday and Saturday, 11:30am-11pm; Sunday, 11:30am-9pm
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