Cowgirl Kitchen - Where Beach Meets West

Travel Dog {Ridin’ in the “way back”}

Gracie — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:15:51 +0000

Gracie here. Yes, it’s been a while since my last post because I have been extraordinarily busy (major photo shoot last month!). With the new CK market, keeping up with facebook and playing Words with Friends, I barely have time for the truly important things like beach walking and mid morning snoozes. Anyway, I decided to post today because I recently experienced a serious wrong that needs to be exposed to the world. It is known simply as the “way back”. As in way back yonder. As in stuffed in the back of a moving vehicle with no window to roll down. *gasp* As in PRISON!

I discovered this frightening place on a recent journey and felt I must warn everyone! Below is photographic evidence that I have indeed been there and survived to tell the tale (please note the look of sadness & hostility that I was conveying):

Astonishing, isn’t it? To the uninitiated, the “way back” is that apparently benign area in an SUV or hatchback where ANIMALS (they make it sound so sinister) are sometimes forced to sit against their will! Or if you are my pal, George, maybe it isn’t against your will because you are such a little brown-nosing pushover! For me it was like an alien abduction or some other equally horrifying experience over which I had no control. Like the television remote for example. Who says we can’t we watch Animal Planet 24/7? Besides my people, I mean. What is their deal anyway? Except for that stupid show Must Love Cats, Animal Planet rules! Come to think of it…the way back would be way better if there were a TV to distract me from my agony. Cheapskates!

Ok, fine. Perhaps I have some control issues. Maybe I get a little dramatic sometimes. That’s because I am a genius. A dramatic, controlling, lovable, super cute genius. And a genius, especially one that looks this good, DOES NOT RIDE IN THE WAY BACK!

Unless it is to escort the groceries home. That is a whole other story, my friends.

Hungry Dog {Perfect Picnics}

Gracie — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:27:50 +0000

Among other things, I consider myself to be the consummate Picnicking Professional. As a summertime tradition, picnics rate way up there for me. Right next to swimming in the lake and rolling on the freshly mown lawn (a hint: the latter has to follow the former in quick succession to get the best adherence possible. Pure delight!)

Even though this summer has been super busy, my people and I made time for the occasional picnic. Our new market in Seagrove made the whole thing simple and easy because it’s a one-stop shop for all kinds of food just perfect for picnics. A few of my favorite picnicky things include our pimento cheese & baguette bites, wines chilled to perfection, and some desserts that make it all worth while. And the GoVino wine and champagne cups add a whole new level of chic to the picnic experience!

It’s well-established that I love food, so how cool is it that I have a restaurant AND a market?! I’ll tell you…it’s downright awesome. Come visit us soon if you haven’t already!

Crabby Dog {It’s not what you think!}

Gracie — Wed, 04 May 2011 15:15:21 +0000

I’m a crabby dog. Not the I’m-in-a-bad-mood-and-being-grouchy kind of crabby, but the O-M-G-Yum! kind. Blue crabs are a wonderful seasonal delicacy that I enjoy beyond all others. I’m not kidding and that’s really saying something, since you all know how deeply I love all things food or food-related in any way. I admit it freely: I will eat anything and I don’t think that makes me a bad dog. But it’s the degree to which I enjoy each morsel of that yummy steamed crab that really compels me into Super Crabby Dog territory. I mean, just look at ‘em! Don’t you want some right now?

Fresh out of the bay!

And then there’s the bit of play time before they go into the pot.

It's ok to give 'em a sniff, but watch out for the pincers.

I learned the hard way that those little crabs are fast as lightning with their claws…I still have bad dreams about the time a sand crab got hold of my nose when I was a pup just learning the ways of the beach. Seriously traumatized me. I was minding my own business (and perhaps gently sniffing and nudging the crab along) when it turned and caught me in its fierce grippers. It hung on to my nose for a good long while before it let go and side-stepped into a hole. Apparently, crabs don’t have a very good sense of humor or hospitality, for that matter. Anyway, back to the yumminess factor…

The Rosemary Thymes, in addition to being a cool local paper, repurposes nicely as a table cloth once you're done reading it.

I have highly recommended to my people that steamed blue crab be added to the Cowgirl Kitchen menu. Obviously, I have good taste and so do they. So, look for these yummy crustaceans on the Cowgirl Kitchen Specials Board real soon!

Happy Dog {It’s my birthday!}

Gracie — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:23:01 +0000

Good Morning, Sunshine!

I woke up extra early this morning because today is my birthday! I’m officially 6 years old. Wow…the years really fly by, don’t they?

In honor of my birth, I’ve received so many wonderful presents and the day is still young (i.e. GO GET ME SOMETHING)! So far, I’ve gotten:

a new bed (that George is not allowed to overtake…mainly because he can’t jump that high)
lamb chops for dinner last night (yum!)
gluten-free treat for breakfast

Birthdays are my favorite days! Who knows what else this day holds for me!

XO, Gracie

Hungry Dog {Popcorn Tuesday}

Gracie — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:50:33 +0000

Happy Tuesday to you all! Today is my favorite day of the week! Tuesdays delight me because anything seems possible on a Tuesday. It’s the most hopeful of days. There’s not the defeat of Monday, the indifference of Wednesday, the anxiety of Thursday, the restlessness of Friday, the mania of Saturday or the melancholy of Sunday. Tuesday is the perfect day. And don’t forget the popcorn.

Pic of me at CK early one Tuesday morning.

Tuesdays are all about popcorn in my house. My people refer to it as Movie Night, but they are missing the real significance of the ritual. It’s the popcorn that adds zest to this otherwise ordinary day. Truth be told, I don’t usually watch the movie because I get sleepy once all the popcorn is gone. But I pretend to watch, and I tilt my head occasional while watching intently. My people love it when I do that. More popcorn for me!

My Tuesday popcorn experience goes something like this…

Wait patiently (no comments from the peanut gallery!) for the day to darken.
Pace in the kitchen once my people have gotten the popcorn out of the cabinet.
Study the preparation very closely lest they forget some key ingredient. I single-handedly saved us during the Almost Butterless Debacle of 2009! Whew! Frightens me to think of it!
Nod my approval at the topping selection. I’m a purist, so melted butter is the usual go-to, however, parmesan and garlic is a particular favorite, as is the kettle corn variation that is so yummy & sweet. (On a side note, I’ve heard discussions about Truffle Oil Popcorn at the new Cowgirl Kitchen Market that’s opening soon in Seagrove and I can’t wait to taste test!)
Take my post next to the sofa for the traditional popcorn toss. I can snag a superbly puffed kernel of corn tossed from 10 feet away. My all time record for distance is 13.5 feet. Underhand throws, overhand throws, too much english. Doesn’t matter because I can catch ‘em all.

And that is why I love Tuesdays. What’s your favorite day? Tell me why.

Travel Dog {Car Rides}

Gracie — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:04:56 +0000

I just adore this time of year, when the weather turns warmer and the sun shines a little brighter. My favorite thing to do on a sunny Spring Friday is hop in the car and go for a spin.

Of course, I prefer to drive…

Top-down driving really gets my heart pumping!

But, I don’t mind riding in the back sometimes, too…

I often snooze a little on longer car rides.

And feeling the breeze on my face is particularly satisfying (especially when someone is frying up bacon or grilling a steak). I love steak, who doesn’t? That would be weird. But I’m watching my girlish figure lately and have turned to fish and lean turkey. Is it lunch time yet? Um, what was I talking about? Oh right, car rides.

Sunrise rides are a special treat.

Heading out for a nice car ride right now. Maybe I’ll see you around!

Happy Friday,

Gracie

My People

Gracie — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:30:42 +0000

This blog is all about me, like most things. I just thought it would be nice to give a shout out to my people. They are a little shy, so be cool when you run into them at CK or if you see us running together on 30A. Just let me know if you are a regular reader of my work and I’ll totally introduce you.

Giving kisses to Nikki.

On the patio at CK with Jenn after our morning run.

The Art of Napping

Gracie — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:28:22 +0000

Everything I do, I do well. I’m not being boastful, I swear! It’s just a fact. For example, I’m an excellent swimmer. Made better certainly by all the training in the Gulf of Mexico. (Have you ever swam with a ball in your mouth while navigating some serious waves, managing to keep your head above water AT ALL TIMES? No? I didn’t think so.) I’m also an excellent runner, especially if I’m chasing bunny rabbits or other fluffy little creatures. And, eating, fuhgeddaboudit! I can clear a plate in record time and still give you a complete critique of ingredients, presentation and the chef’s technique.

The place where I truly excel, however, is hands down in the arena of napping. I take the best naps of anyone I know. If napping were an olympic sport, I’d be a gold medalist! I mean, I can get cozy and catch some ZZZs anywhere. It’s a gift really. So, being the totally giving, caring canine that I am, I’ve decided to share a few of the secrets of my napping success. You may wanna take notes.

Porch Napping

Beginning nappers should start with the basics. The porch, front or back, is a good place to begin to refine your own napping style. Find a nice spot in the warmth of the sun, stretch out and think about relaxing things like gluten-free cookies or a beautifully seared duck breast. (BTW, that’s George there in in the pic in the foreground totally stealing my spotlight. Camera hog!)

Floor Napping

Once you’ve perfected the outside nap, move inside for a little floor napping. Same principles apply. Just curl up and think happy thoughts. (Why is George in this pic, too? Is he on a chair!? Gives me an idea…)

Chair Napping

Ok, I know my eyes are open in this example. It’s because I was rudely awakened by my people talking loudly about “new upholstery” and “no animals on the furniture”. I know! Animals on the furniture! Definitely not cool. I’m on the look out now for animals in the house. Haven’t found any so far, but I’ll let you know when I do.

Guest Room Napping

Wow! I know a lot about napping. Have you been taking notes? Guest room napping is my way of warming the place up for visitors. It’s the least I can do. I love visitors and I go out of my way to be a fantastic hostess. You are welcome.

Left Side Napping

Right Side Napping

The piece de resistance of napping is definitely hunkering down on my people’s bed. Left side or right side, you can’t go wrong here. It’s THE best place to nap.

Now, I challenge you to begin your own napping journey. Go forth and conquer. Or at least dream about it.

About Me

Gracie — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:13:05 +0000

Maybe you’ve seen me around Cowgirl Kitchen or glimpsed an awesome pic of me on the facebook page. Now, we are gonna get to know each other better. To get this train rollin’, here are some things I’d like you to know about me.

I’m a natural blonde and I’m pretty sure I do have more fun. Just sayin’.
I adore Julia Child. I live my life by her words “Everything in moderation…including moderation.”
My birthday is April 15, which is just around the corner so you may want to start shopping now. (hint: I’d love anything from the meat case at your local grocery!)
Little kids just love sharing food with me. I really bring out the generosity in little tykes. Could be their lack of manual dexterity with cumbersome objects like croissants and ice cream cones, but whatever, I’m not gonna to over-analyze it.
I’m an athlete. I run with my people. I swim. I chase ducks and rabbits. I protect the perimeter of my home with absolute laser focus…unless I’m napping.
I’m a catalogue model. I’m sure you’ve seen me in Lands End Summer 2010?
I live with a chihuahua called George, and we are the classic blended family. Yes, I’ve heard all the “George & Gracie” quips, so don’t bother.

Totally rockin' the scarf on my way to a photo shoot last Fall.

Want to know more? Just ask. I’m an open book.

The New Adventures of Ol’ Gracie

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:19:39 +0000

Howdy, y’all! I hope you all like the new website!

If you come by for a visit to the restaurant, you might run into me, Gracie. I am a Labrador Retriever and Nikki is my beloved best friend and running companion. I keep special organic dog treats for my four-legged friends and visitors and often spend the afternoon chasing waves on the beach.

I’ll be keeping track of my cowgirl adventures in Rosemary Beach and beyond right here so you can follow me and get a picture of this dog’s life…and it’s SOME life, for sure! Sometimes there will even be guest postings from local celebs and Nikki, too.

Hugs & Paws, Gracie