2006 San Diego County

Cumhurriyet Bayram Dinners 2006

San Diego County (North)
Barbara Bussey

A wonderful dinner and good time were experienced by the few Turkey RPCV's who gathered on Friday, 10/27 at The Bird House Turkish Restaurant in Encinitas, California. We were even entertained by a belly dancer! Yaşa! Those attending are all residents of North San Diego County. They included Ken Dabbs, T-01, and his wife, Carolyn; Paul and Barbara Bussey, T-05; and Dorine Gouilette Meade, T-03. Dorine was coaxed to the dance floor by the performer for a spontaneous partnership. Unfortunately, no one slipped any bills into Dorine's belt!!! We've all vowed to keep in touch and do this again in a few months----or at least next October.

The restaurant is a small one run by a mother and daughter duo---Sevgi and Julie from Istanbul. They have lived here about 26 years. I had called ahead to assure they could seat six people and explained our reason for getting together. As a result, Sevgi prepared several special meze including: Havuç, Kırmıizı Lahana ve Patlıcan Salatasılar; Taze Fasulye Zeytinyağlı; Kısır (tabouleh), and Yalancı Dolması. This was followed by a choice of Domatesli, Mercimek veya Tavuk with Limon Çorbası. Our main couse of Döner and Tavuk, Köfte, ve İskender Kebablar were accompanied by pilav, pita, and cacik. We could not finish the amount of food served. One rice pudding was shared by all. Although the restaurant does not serve alcohol, beer and wine can be brought in. If any of you should find yourselves in San Diego, we highly recommend the 40 min. or so drive up the coast north to Encinitas.

Two photos are attached: one of our dinner group and one of the belly dancer. Again unfortunately Paul did not get one of Dorine dancing!

Left to right: Barbara Bussey (T-5), Paul Bussey, Carolyn Dabbs, Ken Dabbs (T-1) and Dorine Meade (T-3).

I do not have the dancer's name, but she was Indian.

11/01/2006