Special to the View

This Sunday, Tom Perini will step away from the Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap to sign books of his successful book Texas Cowboy Cooking, now in its fifth printing. The signing will take place from noon until 2 p.m.  at the Burlap Horse, 609 South Main St., Boerne. Attendees can purchase their books at the event or bring their own.

This year’s event is a follow-up to Saturday’s Chuck Wagon Cook-off.

“Ordinarily we hold our tribute in December, said Burlap Horse owner Melissa Haberstroh.  “This year it made sense to pair up with the Chuck Wagon Cook-off.  It gives enthusiasts one more day and another way to pay homage to the unique character and style of the Western cook, cowboy and the artists that capture that spirit.”

A highlight this year will be a book signing with Texas chef and author, Tom Perini.  After his father’s death, Perini returned to his beloved family ranch to begin a culinary journey that would lead him from chuck wagon cook to author to international ambassador.  Considered an authority on chuck wagon cooking, he has been featured on a number of morning television stations as well as The Outdoor Channel and the Food Network. 

Also part of the tribute is a solo show by Burlap Horse resident artist Jeannette Cuevas; also the official artist for the Chuck Wagon Cook-off.  A former graphic designer, Cuevas was an illustrator for the HEB Grocery Company drawing “cabbages in star bursts” before she decided to work on her art full-time. 

With that sort of history, she isn’t surprised that she continued to use food and cooking as a central theme in her first series of paintings “Chuck Wagon Cooks.”  Cuevas art fuses watercolor with pastel in a unique technique that creates a kind of energy and movement.  A recent People’s Choice Award winner, Jeannette will introduce her newest works in the solo show.

Customers will be able to enjoy some gourmet chili, learn about the historic photography of L.A. Huffman and Edward S. Curtis and register for prizes to be given away that day.  Call the Burlap Horse with questions (830) 249-0204).