Cowgirl BBQ Celebrating 25 Years in Santa Fe!!!

For twenty-five years, this bustling hub known as The Cowgirl BBQ has served up dependably delicious food, drink and live entertainment and established itself as one of Santa Fe’s fun and much-loved characters. On June 2nd, 2018, from noon till close, The Cowgirl will be serving up food, fun, music, and more for their “25th Anniversary Block Party Celebration!”

Cowgirl BBQ sign

The restaurant first started out as The Cowgirl Hall of Fame Santa Fe.  Back in the late 1980s, two ladies, Texan Sherry Delamarter and Colorado native Pam McCleary, with the help of a few important investors, opened a restaurant called The Cowgirl Hall of Fame, in the West Village of New York City. The name paid homage to the original Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Hereford, Texas, and the food and decor honored the cultural heritage of the American Cowgirl lifestyle. One of its principal founding members was Barry Secular, a native New Yorker and semi-pro baseball player. In the early 1990s, Barry started a family and moved to Santa Fe. Ready to open a restaurant but being new to the area, he wasn’t sure what type of cuisine the locals would want. He placed an ad in the local Santa Fe Reporter and asked the question. The resounding response was “BARBECUE!” And so it was that on June 1, 1993, The Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Santa Fe opened its doors to a town hungry for barbecue at 319 South Guadalupe Street.

Cowgirl BBQ Bar

Cowgirl BBQ Bar serving everything including an extensive list of craft beers, tequilas, margaritas, whiskies, and more.

Although the initial idea was based on the New York restaurant’s theme, there were necessary distinctions, which, over time, worked to make the two Cowgirls more distant relatives than sisters. Managing owner Nicholas Ballas describes the New York restaurant as being more of a novelty to the area, and its decor tends to exaggerate the cowgirl theme. “An obvious difference between New York and Santa Fe is you don’t have to go far in Santa Fe to find real ranchers and cowgirls,” he says. “For that reason, one of my jobs was to ‘keep it real’ in honor of our unique, indigenous culture.”

Cowboysatbar

Keeping it real includes consistently serving up scrumptious, honest and affordable food, craft-brewed beers, and creative margaritas that make the Cowgirl a must if you’re taking the City’s well-known Margarita Trail. You have to try Diego’s Obsession and Frida’s Revenge Margaritas, to name just two.

One of the many unique margarita creations is Frida’s Revenge, named after Frida Kahlo.

This year, to commemorate their 25th Anniversary, they have created a unique selection of tequilas and margaritas.  Barry is paying tribute to his love of baseball with their Tequila Tasting Flight in the shape of a baseball diamond!

cowgirl-bbq-tequila-tasting

A large selection of craft tequilas and fun margaritas commemorate the Cowgirl’s 25th Anniversary.

Adding to the cultural atmosphere are the glittering walls, hung with photographic tributes to great cowgirls and rodeo queens throughout America’s history.

Horseandcowgirl

For many years, the name has been simply The Cowgirl BBQ, and the restaurant has definitely succeeded in being nourishing, fun and welcoming to everyone for twenty-five years. Cowgirls and boys, workers of all collar colors, musicians, travelers and locals of every age converge here.

With a full kids’ menu, The Cowgirl caters to the littl’uns too. Parents are happy to eat and chat while their youngsters go safely wild in the outdoor play area.

Kids play area.

And the big kids can play pool and pinball and more in the game room.

PoolRm

The Cowgirl always “smokes it right” thanks to Chef Patrick Lambert, who keeps pace with an extensive menu covering multiple borders from Texas BBQ, Mexico, and of course New Mexico.  New items regularly appear on the menu in honor of regional and international cultural celebrations from Cajun and Creole for Mardi Gras to specialty bratwursts for Oktoberfest. And don’t forget the All-American winter comfort foods like braised lamb shank and meatloaf to get us through the colder months. The meats are organic and hormone-free, and there are plenty of yummy fresh salads and meatless dishes to choose from for those of the veggie ilk.

Their Healthy, Hearty, Goat Cheese Salad

In 2013, to celebrate their 20th anniversary, Chef created their monumental green chile cheeseburger called “The Mother of all Green Chile Cheeseburgers!” or “The Mother Burger” for short. It remains one of their customers’ top picks today. Chef’s proprietary blend of 100% hormone-free, organic beef, buffalo and bacon topped with green chile, brie cheese, and tomato is cocooned within a pretzel bun. Yes, it is the mother of all burgers and yes, it is delicious!

Cowgirl BBQ The Mother Green Chile Cheeseburger

Cowgirl BBQ “The Mother” Green Chile Cheeseburger

The Cowgirl is well known for dishing out decadent desserts, including their famous Ice Cream Baked Potato – a monolith of vanilla ice cream dusted with chocolate and topped with whipped cream and pistachios, all dressed up to resemble an Idaho baked potato!

Cowgirl’s dessert tribute to the Idaho Baked Potato.

If you’re having a party or event they’ll bring The Cowgirl to you, or dedicate one of their ample-sized dining rooms to your group. Voted Best Full Service Caterer for decades by locals voting in The Santa Fe Reporter, The Cowgirl team runs a tight ship taking care of your event, both on site and on location.

Staying true to its desire to always keep the customer satisfied, The Cowgirl is one of the few places in Santa Fe that brings live musical entertainment to its customers daily. The afternoon and evening atmosphere is always vibrant.

This year, for its twenty-fifth anniversary on June 2nd, 2018, The Cowgirl is preparing to ring in the next decade in style by planning an all-day-long block party celebration. Festivities will include live music from great local bands, food and drink specials!  The live music starts at 12:30 pm, with the Santa Fe Chiles Dixieland Jazz Band, and continues through the day and into the night with other local favorite bands, including Half Broke Horses, Jim Almand, and more.

This promises to be a terrific celebration and tribute to a well-loved restaurant and true local character.

The Block Party on June 2nd is a great way to kick off summer, and let’s all say “Thank YOU!” to Barry, Patrick, Nicolas, and all the patrons who have made The Cowgirl BBQ the great joint that it is!

Cowgirl Owners Nicholas Ballas and Chef Patrick Lambert

Two of the Cowgirl Owners, Nicholas Ballas and Chef Patrick Lambert

Click here for more information on The Cowgirl BBQ.

For more info on things to do in Santa Fe, where to stay, eat, play, go to: SantaFeSelection.com Travel Guide.

Thank you for reading my blog article. If you’d like to receive my posts via email, please send your request to Maria@santafeselection.com.

2018 Events at Las Golondrinas, A Living History Experience

El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a fun, family destination offering unique events each year. Visiting Las Golondrinas is one of the top things to do in Santa Fe for the June to October season. This wonderful living history museum serves as a valuable reminder of the area’s Native American and Spanish cultures, the settlers’ traditions, and their staunch perseverance in the face of tumultuous times. Each year, we look forward to the many events that start in June and bring this historic landmark to life, much as it once was in the 1500s.

Mark your calendars and plan to be here for the following fun, family-friendly events.

2018 Schedule of Events

June 2nd & 3rd – Spring & Fiber Festival. 

Authentic Wool Dyeing at Las Golondrinas.

Authentic Wool Dyeing at Las Golondrinas.

Come see what life was like on the Camino Real, Santa Fe Trail and Spanish Trail.  Learn about the people, goods and livestock that came and went on the arteries of the Southwest.  Also, experience traditional ranch activities like sheep shearing, wool dyeing, spinning and weaving. Plus a fiber arts marketplace, bread baking and crafts for children!

June 16th & 17th – Herb & Lavender Festival. 

Visit lavender and herb product vendors and enjoy lectures and hands-on activities on all things lavender. Visit the marketplace to shop great treasures from over 20 vendors selling handmade soaps, lotions, essential oils, art, food, plants and more!

June 30th – July 1st: Annual Santa Fe Wine Festival. 

Celebrate summer with handmade wines from the New Mexico Wine and Grape Growers Association. Taste mouthwatering food, dance to live music, buy unique arts and crafts, and explore New Mexico’s history at Santa Fe’s longest running wine festival.

July 21st & 22nd:  Viva Mexico!!

Revel in the music, culture, food and art of Mexico for two days. Re-discover our neighbor to the south as you listen to mariachis, shop in the Mercado and eat delicious food prepared by local Mexican chefs.  Our shared histories and cross-cultural influences are undeniable at Viva Mexico!

Viva Mexico Performers

Viva Mexico Performers

August 4th & 5th – Panza Llena, Corazon Contento: New Mexico Food Fest.

Explore the food history of New Mexico at El Rancho de las Golondrinas. Step back in time, as you taste your way through the history of the Land of Enchantment. Experience historic methods of food preparation, learn from food historians, attend workshops, sample delicious locally-made creations and find something special from the many vendors and artisans. Make connections to New Mexico’s contemporary culinary scene and be the judge of an epic food truck war.

 

Sept 1st and 2nd – Fiesta de los Niños.

Immerse yourself in a weekend of interactive family activities that celebrate water! Roam around the ponds, creeks and acequias that give life to our historic site as you have fun with, and learn about, this precious resource. Also encounter animals that populate the southwest and who, like us, depend upon water. Fun for all ages! Wander the grounds and meet costumed volunteers who will tell you about “La Vida Vieja.”

September 15th & 16th – The 10th Annual Santa Fe Renaissance Fair. 

Renaissance Fair - Dressing the part of Royal Attendees.

Renaissance Fair – Dressing the part of Royal Attendees.

Travel back in time with Clan Tynker and the Order of Epona jousters. Go on a knight’s quest to meet Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Ride in a Spanish Galleon at our kids game area. Learn about Renaissance arts and sciences from the SCA. Shrink in size as you enter the Fairy Village and pet a unicorn. Enjoy incredible performances and music, delicious food, and arts and crafts vendors at New Mexico’s premier Renaissance Fair.

October 6th & 7th   Harvest Festival. 10am-4pm

The root cellar at El Rancho de Las Golondrinas during Harvest Festival.

The root cellar at El Rancho de Las Golondrinas during Harvest Festival.

Ranked in the top 3 Harvest Festivals in the U.S. Autumn is a vibrant time to visit El Rancho! Taste syrup from the burro driven sorghum mill, help make cider by cranking a traditional apple press, and pick a pumpkin from our scarecrow-guarded patch. Children can stomp grapes by foot, make cornhusk dolls or roll their own delicious tortillas by hand. There’s a lot to do at this long-running and acclaimed event!

Oct 27th – Halloween Event “Spirits of New Mexico’s Past”: Meet the ghosts of history who lived and died in the land of enchantment! Step back in time and encounter a diverse assortment of characters from New Mexico’s illustrious and often little known past. Listen to their amazing stories and experience intriguing bygone events. Lit by lantern light and campfires, our wondrous historic site takes on a family-friendly but spooky Halloween atmosphere.

There’s something for everyone at El Rancho de las Golondrinas. Pick your fun and plan ahead.

To book your lodging at special discounted rates, or for help with planning the ideal vacation in Santa Fe, go to SantaFeSelection.com or call (505)470-2991.

Thank you for reading my blog article. If you’d like to receive my posts via email, please send your request to Maria@santafeselection.com.

Santa Fe Studio Tour – Immersive Arts Experience

The Santa Fe Studio Tour is a point of pride for our City Different, and one of the top things to do in June.  If you want a fresh, immersive experience that brings you into the world of artists’ private studios, and reveals insights about techniques and inspirations of some of Santa Fe’s top artisans, while exploring Santa Fe – then the Santa Fe Studio Tour is a must!

The Tour is self-guided, and all events are free. It is a great way to explore neighborhoods throughout the city, and immerse yourself in a world of beauty and creativity.

The Studio Tour itself takes place June 16th & 17th  and June 23rd & 24th, 2018. Artist Studios are open from 10am to 5pm.  There are many other fun community events planned for the weeks leading up to the tour (see below for a list). Grab a Planning Guide, either in print or download one here, and plan which artists you’ll want to visit on each day. Plot their locations on the map or use the Google Maps link: santafestudiotour.com/the-tour.

Martina de Avila artist at work

Micaceous Clay Portrait in Progress by Martina de Avila #2 on the Studio Tour

You’ll see artists in action, working in all mediums — sculpture, clay, jewelry, painting, fabric, textiles, metals, glass, and many others. I always find it inspiring to interact with artistic creativity on a level that isn’t available in a gallery environment.

Ron Pokrasso – rolling ink onto a monotype plate. #17 on tour.

Santa Fe Studio Tour Community Events All community events listed below are also free to the public, and will be held at the Community Gallery in the Tourism Convention Center at 201 W. Marcy St.

Wednesday, June 6th. 6 – 8pm: Academic Evening with Exhibition Curator Ellen Koment. And Featured Speaker Ron Pokrasso – The Creative Process – “If I knew where I was going, I’d be lost.”

Friday, June 8th. 5 – 8pm: Exhibit Opening Reception. The exhibit will feature one piece from each of the tour’s participating artists. This exhibit continues through June 27th at the Community Gallery. Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday – 8.30am – 4.30pm. Closed on Sundays.

Saturday, June 9th: 1 – 4pm: Community Family Fun Day. Offering interactive art activities for all ages: Fun with clay, quick draw portraits, a community canvas, exploring powdered glass, food, fun and more.

Wednesday, June 20th: 6 – 8pm: Artist Panel Discussion. A panel of pros will offer their insights into “The Importance of Buying and Collecting Art.”

Caleb Kullman working with steel. #45 on the tour.

The Santa Fe Studio Tour Planning Guide makes it easy to plan your tour weekends. While driving, you’ll notice the Santa Fe Studio Tour numbered signs guiding you to listed locations. The printed guide is available at Santa Fe Tourism visitor centers, hotel lobbies, and at the Tourism Center visitor information main office at 201 West Marcy St. You can also request a downloadable map and Planning Guide by going to this link. 

Click this image to get a downloadable map and planning guide emailed to you.

GRASS ROOTS GROW ART

What began as a grass roots effort back in 2006 now has as many as fifty-nine studios and seventy-six artists participating. This unique experience was founded twelve years ago by a collaboration of only a handful of local artists; Bill Jackson, Darlene McElroy, Teena Robinson and Dave Robinson were the key figures. The first year saw only eight studios on the map.  Initially, artists opened their studios to the public twice a year. In 2009, the group decided to focus their efforts on a once-a-year show.

Towhee Nest with Jimson Weed. Acrylic on Canvas by Liz Myers

Towhee Nest with Jimson Weed. Acrylic on Canvas by Liza Myers #43 on the tour.

Thanks to the hard work of the dedicated founders and volunteers, the tour began to gather momentum. In 2017, tour artists formed a committee, under the direction of artist volunteers Ricardo Gutierrez, Erica Elliot, Becca Haffenden, Cindy Fry, and Melinda Silver. Congratulations are in order to the founders and the many volunteers that have pitched in since its inception; now, The Santa Fe Studio Tour has formed an official 501c3 non-profit entity.

ColinPooleSummerHarvest8x14

Summer Harvest by Colin Poole #3 on the tour.

With such determination and dedication of its volunteers, The Santa Fe Studio Tour has expanded in size and increased its event schedule. It is an established “destination event”, that brings people to town from all over the state and country during a beautiful time of year. And it draws the attention of collectors and gallery owners from around the globe to our local artists.

Many of the original artists remain in the tour, and new talent joins each year. It’s a top favorite thing to do in town in June! Join us!

Laura Fram Cowan - Glass Kiln Works. #23 on the tour.

Laura Fram Cowan – Glass Kiln Works. #23 on the tour.

For more information on Santa Fe, and where to stay, eat, and play, go to SantaFeSelection.com.

Thank you for reading my blog article. If you’d like to receive my posts via email, please send your request to Maria@santafeselection.com.