The 2019 Del Mar Racing Season is here! Where to sip, stay and celebrate this year’s Del Mar Opening Day.
By Brooke Knetzger.
Blue Bohème
July 17. The award-winning French restaurant will be off to the races with its take on the classic Mint Julep: the Derby Démodé. To create the cocktail, the Démodé bourbon is infused with orange and star anise, served on the rocks with muddled mint, cane sugar and a splash of seltzer. The Derby Démodé is priced at $14. Available exclusively on opening day. 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4167. blueboheme.com
Death By Tequila
July 17. Death by Tequila will celebrate the start of racing season with a featured cocktail, Baja Breeze, available exclusively on Opening Day. Inspired by one of horses’ most beloved snacks – carrots – the Baja Breeze cocktail is a combination of Reposado tequila, carrot juice, lime, rosemary tarragon syrup and rhubarb bitters, garnished with microgreens. 569 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, 760.782.2240. deathbytequila.com
El Chingon
July 17. El Chingon will offer a Del Mar Opening Day Party Package that includes a signature cocktail at El Chingon before the races, a round-trip ticket from El Chingon to the race track on a bus, admission to opening day and entry to El Chingon’s after party. $75. 560 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp, 619.5011919. elchingon.com
Hats, Heels & Hooves 2019
July 17. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will host its popular annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club opening day after-party, Hats, Heels & Hooves. Each year, The Inn’s sprawling lawns are transformed for an over-the-top evening of decadent food, creative cocktails, curated entertainment with Champagne Aerialist and fashionable hats. 21+. 5 to 10 p.m. $125+. 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe. Tickets
L’Auberge’s 2019 Opening Day After-Party
July 17. L’Auberge is once again commemorating Opening Day of the Del Mar horse racing season with its fabulous annual gala, the 2019 Opening Day After-Party. Entertainment will be provided by Southern California DJ FishFonics and DJ Gabe Vega, and the exciting night will be filled with glamorous clothes and hats, favorite beverages and yummy culinary bites prepared by the resort’s culinary team available at KITCHEN 1540. 21+. 5 p.m. to midnight. $229+. L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.259.1515. Tickets
Pendry San Diego
Available starting July 17. Pendry San Diego will offer guests a Day at the Races Package, which includes the use of a Cadillac to drive to the race track, admission to the races, a Turf Club table for two, VIP tour of the Paddock and front row access to the Winner’s Circle to watch a race at the finish line. Guests will also receive a one night stay at Pendry San Diego, a $50 beverage credit to Fifth & Rose and a $60 breakfast credit at Provisional Kitchen, Café & Mercantile. See website for availability and additional terms and conditions. pendryhotels.com
Prohibition.
July 17. The 1920s-inspired speakeasy will head to the winner’s circle with Don’t Pet the Pony. Made with Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon, fresh mint, house-made strawberry demerara and R&D house bitters, Don’t Pet the Pony is priced at $13. The drink is available exclusively this opening day. 548 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp, 619.501.1919. prohibitionsd.com
Rancho Valencia Opening Day After-Party
July 17. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is celebrating Opening Day with its “After Pony Party.” Guests will cheers to bets and the season kickoff with refreshing summer cocktails while enjoying delectable tasting stations, a live DJ, private cabanas and an abundance of photo opportunities. Celebratory Champagne will be available to toast the day’s wins with other race enthusiasts and the celebrity jockeys themselves. 6-10 p.m. $125 pp. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe. Tickets
Photos: Blue Bohème courtesy Blue Bohème. Death by Tequila courtesy Death by Tequila. El Chingon courtesy El Chingon. L’Auberge courtesy Clark Public Relations. Pendry & Rancho Valencia courtesy J Public Relations. Prohibition courtesy Prohibition.
