Did you have a great Independence Day?

We’re here in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, enjoying the amazing views, sounds, smells and ambiance. That crazy oil spill didn’t keep us away and we’re so glad we made the decision to come.

Here’s what it looked like yesterday . . .

It is uncrowded — a tragedy for these parts, especially at this time of year. And our stretch of beach is tarball-free . . . so far.

I did have a little bit of tar on one leg after a particularly rough playtime in the ocean with my youngest son. I’m not sure where it came from because it wasn’t visible. But it was just a little and they had special wipes at the pier that got it off in a jiffy.

What’s a little tar among friends?

We decided to taste a little of the local fare here so we can help support the area during this rough time. We tried a local steak house and nibbled on ribeyes and lobster. Mmmmmm.

But it wasn’t  as good as the delivery I have coming later this week will be. I’ll be cooking some faves in our home away from home and I can’t wait.

We’ve decided that we are going to have a great time spending quality time with our kids and enjoying great food in an amazing place — one of this country’s jewels. So check back for more on what we’re cooking on our trip to the Gulf Coast!

Would ya look at that gorgeous egg on top of that dreamy, juicy steak?

Amelia Levin over at the LA Times gives us the head’s up on some “unusual” cuts of steak you could try this 4th of July.

Now, you love steak, so you may be familiar with most of these already. Us aficianados usually are in the know. But there may be one or two you don’t know much about.

So, check out her list here.

And let me know if you’ve found a new favorite!

Photo courtesy of Bill Hogan/LA Times.

Ohhhh. I’m going to spend this weekend marveling at marbling.

That beautiful, snaky, flavor-filled goodness that makes a good steak — great.

Plus, I’m going to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country as well.

What do the two have in common?

Nothing, really. Except that folks have been putting the two together for years now. And it seems to work.

Maybe I have the luxury of spending time oogling a great steak over a long weekend because of those who fought for me — and continue to fight for me.

Thanks, men and women of our armed forces. I’ll raise a glass to you this weekend. And I’ll sprinkle that steak with the extra sweet taste of freedom.

My favorite.