by Jennifer Brannock Cox

Moving slowly through throngs of adoring patrons and friends, Vinny Bellia navigates hugs, handshakes and tearful goodbyes with purpose and a smile. And though his staff has the evening well in hand, his eyes routinely drift from the conversation to the food, making sure everything is as it should be for his guests.

After nearly four decades running one of Salisbury's oldest restaurants, it's a hard habit to break. But that is exactly what Bellia will have to do when the doors to his namesake eatery – Vinny's La Roma – close for good on Dec. 31. After 37 years, the 64-year-old says he is up for the challenge. Bellia is retiring to enjoy a richer family life and to make a dent in his Eastern Shore bucket list.

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Source: http://www.delmarvanow.com/