Palmabella's Passions

Saturday, we picked up Shannon in Ocean Beach and headed to the Del Mar Racetrack where we met Sue, Marcia and David. Marcia and Dave's friend, Vladimir, a horse trainer, generously gave us seats in his box. Cheryl and friends, Arlene and Cecelia, joined us a little later. We had our own little feast going on! I brought the pizza rustica, Shannon packed fabulous sandwiches of cambazola and fresh figs on fig bread (and some healthy tomato, cucumber, humus, sprout things I didn't even consider). We had fruit, wine, water, and finished off the afternoon with Marcia's Kahlua brownies! YUM!

We enjoyed betting, winning and losing our money, and chatting between races.It was a fun way to spend the afternoon, and Del Mar's racetrack is a beautiful venue.

We met again for dinner at The Vine. Krista and Steve joined the group, as well as new Slow Travelers, Susan and Robert. The wine flowed all evening, and we shared numerous appetizers including the now famous "Shannon's Super Sexy Pate", bruschetta with carmalized onions, tomatoes and basil, and a queso fondito with melted cheeses, olives, raisins and corn relish.

It was exciting to celebrate Shannon's new ownership in this fun restaurant with a welcoming open space, outdoor dining, and bar with a great wine list. The menu is attractive, varied, and very affordable for quality food.

Everyone enjoyed their entrees, and my pork chop was delicious! We shared a couple of desserts, I had two cups of GREAT coffee, and true to Slow Travelers's style, we chattered all evening, and closed The Vine.