Horse Race 'Handicapper' Tips For Charity At Del Mar Deli Event

DEL MAR, CA — In a partnership with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Milton’s Delicatessen, Restaurant and Bakery in Del Mar is turning breakfast trackside with horseracing "tips" events that benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito.

Milton’s breakfast events revolve around the 80th summer racing season at Del Mar with a pre-post-time breakfast, featuring handicapper tips by local experts and complimentary tickets to the racetrack clubhouse.

Twenty percent of meals purchased from the "Handicapper’s Breakfast" menu at the weekend events will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of San Dieguito, managers said.

Throughout the racing season, until Sept. 1, Milton’s will host the $25 “Handicapper’s Breakfasts” Saturdays and Sundays in “The Back Room” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a menu of hearty dishes with complimentary beverages, including a signature Del Mar Mimosa, which includes a free admission ticket to the Clubhouse at the Del Mar Racetrack.

Guests will score betting advice from recognized racetrack handicappers, who will give racing tips prior to the 2 p.m. post times on both days, along with exclusive “meet and greets” with the handicappers before and after the presentations.

Meanwhile, Milton’s, at 2660 Via del la Valle, also is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer and welcoming back Claire Allison as the deli's executive chef and culinary expert.

Allison first worked with owner Barry Robbins when he and a business partner established the eatery in 1995, and she was swiftly hired after creating the unique recipe for Milton’s Multi-Grain bread, now sold on grocery store shelves nationwide, according to mangement.

“We’re excited and honored to announce the return of Chef Claire to our establishment," Robbins said. "She brings a renewed enthusiasm by adding creative, Southern California cuisine options to our existing menu, while retaining the traditional dishes that have made Milton’s an iconic San Diego culinary destination in the old-world tradition."

Milton's serves such traditional deli delicacies as pastrami sandwiches, chicken soup with matzo balls and lox and bagels.

Chef Allsion plans to add lighter menu choices with locally-grown produce and seasonal fare, such as Greek omelets with spinach, tomatoes, scallions and feta cheese or the "Ultimate Bagel with Cream Cheese, Avocado, Bacon, Tomato and Arugula."

"What I love about Milton’s atmosphere is that it’s family-friendly, business-friendly, couple-friendly and dog-friendly," Allsion said. "Whether customers choose to dine-in, take-out or have food delivered or catered, Milton’s menu will continue to be diverse enough to accommodate all tastes.”

The "Handicapper’s Breakfast" will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito, an organization with seven clubhouses that serve more that 11,200 youth annually in Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Encinitas and Solana Beach.

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