D & K'S HOTZ AVENUE CAFE

[ItzKatzTime]

OUR NAMES (A Story In Itself): Grayton Corner Cafe (where I first met Doug 1990), Paradise Alley Cafe in CoCoa Beach (Doug and Kathy's first cafe together...we gave the name to Bonnie, our daughter), D & K's Little New Orleans Cafe (sold to Cafe Tango, little red and teal house on Vicki street by Snapperheads, we retained our name), D & K's Hungry Bear Deli (on the Mountain top of Sewanee, Tn.), D & K's Cafe and Oyster Bar, D & K's Beach Cafe AND finally.....D&K's Hotz Avenue Cafe in Grayton Beach where it all began!!! Talking about coming full circle...what a long journey we've been on. Our last restaurant...we pray. LOL

So So Sorry for not posting D&K updates sooner! And, I'm running out the door right this moment. Just wanted to let everyone know that things are starting to move faster. Doug and I have had to endure a lot of unnecessary hold ups. It looks like August before we re-open. Sometimes I feel like we are in a never-ending dream. We've waited 5 years to get to this point and when we're finished I hope everyone will be excited for us. This will give us so much more time for our family, make life easier for our staff, and offer the community a wonderful alternative.

If there is anyone out there who can help me with learning the ins and outs of using SoWol? I would really appreciate it. I could post much more...like pictures, menu, up coming events, etc.

I hope to be able to offer more news tonight when I have some quiet time .

Thanks so much,
Kathy.......Doug's out fishing today. He needed a day out on the water!!!
Thanks to Sam for grabbing him away from sanding and staining.

[Miss Kitty]

...thanks for the update K! It will all be worth it in the end! I'll be there in October...can't wait to dine with y'all again!

[kurt]

The udder day.

[ItzKatzTime]

Kurt the wrong color was put up on the building...we'll be changing that as soon as possible. Actually already in progress.
K

[ItzKatzTime]

...thanks for the update K! It will all be worth it in the end! I'll be there in October...can't wait to dine with y'all again!

October...what a wonderful month in South Walton. We look forward to seeing you! Make sure to call for reservations. Already have heard from a ton of people that they will be down in October and are trying to make reservations now. Doug and I want to try to get into July before taking them. I can't even keep up with my cell phone right now. Our living room, kitchen, and breakfast room looks like a construction site. I have floor plans, carpet and tile samples, stain, paint, drawings, catalogs, magazines, etc., all over the place. I know we have a dining table somewhere underneath it all.

We will be open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. We've downsized from 70 to about 42 seats. Doug will finally get out of that 4x6 space and have a beautiful kitchen....we can't wait to get open. If you would like to be contacted by personal e-mail I will be happy to do so. I have a list of people who want to know first hand when the opening date is, seating times, menu, etc.

Gotta run....time for a movie .

Kathy

[Miss Kitty]

K...look for my PM!

[peapod1980]

The udder day.

Look--Peas headed to the beach!

[kurt]

Look--Peas headed to the beach!

[steele mama]

Look--Peas headed to the beach!

That is hilarious! What a coincidence?

[peapod1980]

That is hilarious! What a coincidence?

Not really. He was stalking me.

[kurt]

Not really. He was stalking me.

[ItzKatzTime]

When you own a restaurant you get, hmmmm let me count....oh yeah, a bazillion questions. Sometimes it's the same question, just asked a bazillion times. The one that everyone keeps asking us right now is..."Why in the world did you start renovating in the summer?" Let me answer that in two words...NO CHOICE! If we had waited till the end of summer we would have been too burnt out to do it. For three years we've been trying to make this move, and we always waited for fall/winter. Makes sense don't you think??? BUT, every September Doug was not in the mood (after spring break and a long hot summer) to even think about remodeling and I was too busy with the process of helping get Kalie settled in at school and tending to elderly parents.

What an eye opener.....taking care of my mother who was on hospice for 2 1/2 years. Her doctors would put her on it for 6 months...take her off, then put her back on it. What a nightmare. She died in September of 2003. Then a year later my sweet sister Jennifer Leigh passed away after being on hospice for only a month. This took a tremendous toll on both Doug and I. Fall has not been good for us over the past few years.

There is no ONE thing that kept us from starting sooner this year. It was a combination of so many things. Doug and I like to believe things happen for a reason. Believe me, it's no cakewalk renovating in the summer, but soon it will be finished and only a memory. All I want right now is AIR CONDITIONING! Thank God, it's being turned on this week!

Now, for the opening date.....sometime in August is all we know at this point. Things are beginning to come together fast! YEAH!!!!

Thanks so much for your support. We have heard great things from so many of you. I can't begin to tell you how much it helps.

Kathy

[SHELLY]

Now, for the opening date.....sometime in August is all we know at this point. Things are beginning to come together fast! YEAH!!!!

Kathy

How about a sample of your menu??

[30A Skunkape]

How about a sample of your menu??

I know the place is heading in a different direction, but can we ever expect to see the fried grouper po-boy again?

[Bobby J]

I have personally had the luxury of eating some of Doug's goodies since the Paradise Cafe Days! The early to mid 80's! The bottom line is he is one of the best chefs in the area. Doug is one of the founders of fine dining in South Walton. I was upset when he stopped doing what he excels at! I also think it is very cool how Doug and Kathy like to mix it up a bit. My hat is off to you both!!! One last thing Doug, be sure to close on the 4th next year. For old time sake!!!! I wish you both the best and can not wait until you open!

ps. Crabmeat Louisanna!!!! Please.....

[Donna]

All good things in their own time. One of the greatest things about the old D&K was that no one could push Doug. If he had enough gumbo for that night, you might get to buy enough for a small pot to take back to the house. Same with the key lime pie...if he didn't need it for customers, you might be able to buy one. And if it had been a killer day, well maybe he wouldn't cook every item on the menu.

One thing about experiencing losses such as the ones Kathy has described is that it definitely puts you on a different time reference. Things seem to take on a more majestic, and less frenetic pace.

We will all be so happy with this restaurant once it opens that we won't even think about missing it this summer. I am just so thrilled that Kathy and Doug will still have it, because I know they will do a good job and one that is reflective of all the special things about Grayton.

[ItzKatzTime]

[QUOTE=Bobby J]I have personally had the luxury of eating some of Doug's goodies since the Paradise Cafe Days! The early to mid 80's! The bottom line is he is one of the best chefs in the area. Doug is one of the founders of fine dining in South Walton. I was upset when he stopped doing what he excels at! I also think it is very cool how Doug and Kathy like to mix it up a bit. My hat is off to you both!!!

Thank you Bobby ....I'm so glad that you acknowledged that Doug was a founder of fine dining in South Walton. So many people think we are leaving our norm for something we want to try. I'm sure you agree, our menuhas always been and will continue to be local friendly. And, as always, generous portions of mouth watering selections. Doug and I have cooked, catered, served, and partied with some of the finest people all over the south. I've had my desserts flown on dry ice from South Walton and South Florida to the East coast, the West coast,the Rocky Mountains...even as far as Paris, France. Doug has made his famous Seafood Stuffed Snapper for sports legends, celebrities, chefs from all over, but more important, to friends and family. We've even cooked and served a wedding party in a Seaside Honeymoon Cottage using toaster ovens and crock pots!

Our main focus has always been making people feel comfortable and full. Of course the first D & K's had a magical ambiance. If you ate with us in the little red house on Vicki Street, then you know how it felt to be a guest in our home. I'm trying my best to bring that feeling into Grayton Beach.

You are so right we do like to mix it up a bit. We believe the newly renovated building will give us such a perfect opportunity to do just that. It will be simple, cozy, fun, elegant, intimate but most of all, it will be a mixture of the two of us....Doug and Kathy. I don't think we are in the same category as most fine dining restaurants that are so successful here in SoWal, because we just do our own thing in our own way. There are no carved in stone rules. Most of the time we make them up as we go!

Now see what you've done...you got me started and it's hard to stop. I just want everyone to know that we do not profess to be perfect, but we promise to do our best to make your evening a memorable one when you dine at D & K's.

Doug and I send you and Beverly and that precious son of yours a very very special thanks for your support. How could so many years have gone by??? The best is yet to be!

With much love,
Kathy & Doug

[ItzKatzTime]

All good things in their own time. One of the greatest things about the old D&K was that no one could push Doug. If he had enough gumbo for that night, you might get to buy enough for a small pot to take back to the house. Same with the key lime pie...if he didn't need it for customers, you might be able to buy one. And if it had been a killer day, well maybe he wouldn't cook every item on the menu.

One thing about experiencing losses such as the ones Kathy has described is that it definitely puts you on a different time reference. Things seem to take on a more majestic, and less frenetic pace.

We will all be so happy with this restaurant once it opens that we won't even think about missing it this summer. I am just so thrilled that Kathy and Doug will still have it, because I know they will do a good job and one that is reflective of all the special things about Grayton.

Donna the days are going by fast and it will soon be October ! Sometimes when I'm standing in the middle of the cafe looking at all that still needs to be done I wonder if we will be open by then. Yesterday I spoke with a man who was heartsick that we were not open. Said he'd been thinking about the gumbo all the way here. BUT, he had a big smile on his face and wished us well, telling me even though they only get to come down every two years he would look forward to coming back in another two years to experience the food we will be serving then. I wanted to hug his neck. Instead I sent him down to Bonnie's Paradise Alley Cafe at the General Store for gumbo. He'll be happy!

Thank you for your kind words. Yes, my losses have definitely put me in a new time reference. Ive spent the last two years grieving and staying close to home. I am now ready to get back to business and to seeing people once again. It won't be long now.

I am in the fun part of renovating now...the decor. When you create a new restaurant it takes on a life of itself, and things just seem to happen the way they're supposed to. Now to give it the feeling that you're dining in our home, offering some good old southern hospitality!

Take care & many thanks.....K

[ItzKatzTime]

How about a sample of your menu??

Menu will be coming in a few weeks. Don't want to give anything away this soon! [SIZE=4][COLOR=SeaGreen]

[laurawood]

Doug is a extremely wonderful chef. Have grown up in & around his restaurants........ am hoping oysters beinvillle makes it on the menu.
New kitchens are extremely exciting!!!
Will be the perfect restaurant to eat dinner at sunset.

That building is continually changing..... laurap

[ljeffries]

I have not been to Grayton in a year....I had no idea that D&K was closed...I have always had the Grouper Po'Boy every day while there!

[pk305]

Just checking and hoping to get an update from KATHY!! Hope that everything is going well toward an October opening!! Some friends are coming down in mid-October and it's on their short list of restaurant choices
Sooo, please if you could update us and also I'd love to make our reservations!!

By the way, in previous post I asked if Bonnie could carry the tuna dip at her place....which she did!!! I got in there a couple of times for some....but then have found myself in a situation I know that you will understand....(taking care of a parent and unable to travel back to Seagrove for now)....so have not been able to enjoy any more of the tuna dip for over a month now....so sorry!!
Hope it is selling well....it should!!!

Hope that the construction, etc. is all working out....having just completed our house less than 3 mos ago I know only too well how challenging the process can be!!

THANKS so much!!
PK

[ItzKatzTime]

SHORT D & K's UPDATE!!!!

Thanks everyone for your patience and ongoing interest. I just got my computer back from the factory. Even the Geek Squad had to send it out!!!

I have a pulled muscle in my right arm from lifting boxes of lighting fixtures. Doug and I are working nonstop. He in the restaurant and me out from sun up to sun down. I'm working every inch of the coast for interesting decor. Going to New Orleans beginning of next week.

We are about 3-4 weeks from opening. Had hoped for September 1, but can't make it. So much has happened during this renovation. It has by far been the hardest we've ever encountered....BUT wait till we're finished! It will truly be a wonderful dining experience.

I promise to go into a longer update tomorrow....right now I'm headed for bed!

Kat

[kurt]

Thanks!

I wanted to stop by and check it out but I was afraid Doug's head might explode. Though I have seen him on the beach at sunset a couple of times slacking off.

[pk305]

sooooo happy to hear that you are sooooo close to opening!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for the update Kathy.....know you are totally exhausted!!
But just knowing you will be there really soon is great....we look forward to your next update when you have time.....and can't wait to make our reservations for Sept and Oct!!!

[Chickpea]

Will one need reservations????

[ItzKatzTime]

D & K's update~~I can't believe this!

I wrote a long update going on and on about all the new changes, and then as I was reviewing it I accidently deleted it

And YES reservations are highly suggested! We have two telephone lines now 231-0455 and 231-5332. or maybe that's 231-3552...sorry I've got to check that! Fax comng soon.

I'm going back to catch a little more zzzzzz

Will rewrite update later. Have a great weekend!

Kat

[Fanceenan]

I am so excited to hear D & K's is opening back up!! Every time we go to the beach, we ride by to see if it is finished. I guess, I should have been checking with SoWal! We loved the old casual, but also loved it when you were at the Cafe Tango location. Please post menus and accurate phone #s soon. Thanks for great food!

[Shank]

October...what a wonderful month in South Walton. We look forward to seeing you! Make sure to call for reservations. Already have heard from a ton of people that they will be down in October and are trying to make reservations now. Doug and I want to try to get into July before taking them. I can't even keep up with my cell phone right now. Our living room, kitchen, and breakfast room looks like a construction site. I have floor plans, carpet and tile samples, stain, paint, drawings, catalogs, magazines, etc., all over the place. I know we have a dining table somewhere underneath it all.

We will be open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. We've downsized from 70 to about 42 seats. Doug will finally get out of that 4x6 space and have a beautiful kitchen....we can't wait to get open. If you would like to be contacted by personal e-mail I will be happy to do so. I have a list of people who want to know first hand when the opening date is, seating times, menu, etc.

Gotta run....time for a movie .

Kathy

Please add us to your notification list. We will be down 8/24-9/5. We'll really miss the casual open air deck. Best place for lunch on 30-A.

Shank

[mariemcvay]

Kathy, we are headed down the 2nd week in September. Will you be open. Had a couple of wonderful meals at D & K's in the past and want to schedule in a dinner one night.

Thanks!

[steele mama]

I am so excited to hear D & K's is opening back up!! Every time we go to the beach, we ride by to see if it is finished. I guess, I should have been checking with SoWal! We loved the old casual, but also loved it when you were at the Cafe Tango location. Please post menus and accurate phone #s soon. Thanks for great food!

[steele mama]

Please add us to your notification list. We will be down 8/24-9/5. We'll really miss the casual open air deck. Best place for lunch on 30-A.

Shank

[steele mama]

Kathy, we are headed down the 2nd week in September. Will you be open. Had a couple of wonderful meals at D & K's in the past and want to schedule in a dinner one night.

Thanks!

[Miss Kitty]

steelemama...you look like our welcome wagon! Is it because of poor panhandler?

y'all!

Still waiting for that menu, K!!!!

[pk305]

Hey K!! I called and left vm about a future reservation....in October...no pressure....it's just that you all are on my friends' short list when they visit!! Anyway, look forward to hearing back whenever you can confirm....know you all are probably stressed to the max right now....
it will be worth it THANKS! PK

[Allifunn]

steelemama...you look like our welcome wagon! Is it because of poor panhandler?

y'all!

Still waiting for that menu, K!!!!

you crack me up Kit-tay

Newbies!!!!!

Post the menu......

[steele mama]

steelemama...you look like our welcome wagon! Is it because of poor panhandler?

y'all!

Still waiting for that menu, K!!!!

Yea, poor pan! Lots of new folks on board. How are you doin and when is your trip?

[ItzKatzTime]

Kathy, we are headed down the 2nd week in September. Will you be open. Had a couple of wonderful meals at D & K's in the past and want to schedule in a dinner one night.

Thanks!

Oh don't we wish we were opening in September, but I'm so sorry to say it looks more like the first week of October. I won't bore you with the downfalls of renovating an exhisting building. When you put your life in the hands of electricians, painters, a/c, plummers, contractors, carpenters, wallpaper, flooring, more painters...more electricians...miscommunication, well..... this is how you feel.

BUT, that's only the hold up...the magic is finally beginning to happen and it's all starting to fall into place. It will be something you won't want to miss when you come down again. If you send me your address I will mail you a menu. Again...we're sorry that we will miss seeing you in September!

Thank you so much for your interest!
Kathy
D&K's Cafe

[ItzKatzTime]

steelemama...you look like our welcome wagon! Is it because of poor panhandler?

y'all!

Still waiting for that menu, K!!!!

Menu! What menu? I'm still trying to get 40 fixtures hung. It's just a good thing I have a ton of hair or I might not have any left after this renovation!

I can't begin to tell you what it takes to put a restaurant together.....when you take the building down to a shell. Never mind I won't go there.

Don't get discouraged it's beginning to really come together. Since this is our last restaurant we want it to be very very special!

Doug is keeping the menu to himself for the time being I can't take reservations yet as we honestly cannot say when the opening date is. BUT I PROMISE I WILL LET YA"LL KNOW AS SOON AS I KNOW FOR SURE!!!!! I promise...I really do.

I do know this.... if you're building/renovating and anyone tries to tell you they can do it (whatever it is) in two weeks...add a month to that or maybe two months! And if they leave and say they'll be back after lunch...don't hold your breath.

Okay that's all for this morning....2:40 A.M. and I'm still up. Please e-mail me at katatthebeach@aol.com if you want to reach me. Thanks everyone and
goodnight.....ZZZzzzzz

[Miss Kitty]

Good things come to those that wait...and WE will wait!!! Hang in there...once you get those light fixtures hung, I bet you will see the light!!!

[Jdarg]

Good things come to those that wait...and WE will wait!!! Hang in there...once you get those light fixtures hung, I bet you will see the light!!!

Me too!! Can't wait!

[Allifunn]

can you have a private party in October?...I know there will be many SoWallers there at this time...we could all make reservations for the same night.....

[InletBchDweller]

I am in ......

can you have a private party in October?...I know there will be many SoWallers there at this time...we could all make reservations for the same night.....

[ItzKatzTime]

can you have a private party in October?...I know there will be many SoWallers there at this time...we could all make reservations for the same night.....

Hey There! Do you know the date in October and about how many will be in town?

I have an emergency with my Father who lives in Ocean Sorings... So I will be out of town for a few days. But go ahead and post if you know something.

Kat

[Beachbummett]

Count me in!

[ItzKatzTime]

Hello everyone....it's late we're working 24/7 to get open. Just want you to know it will be hopefully by October 15th, but don't hold me to that. We've had more ups and downs then I can count. Just when we think we've gone 10 steps forward something knocks us back 15 steps.

Soon to come the menu!!!! Lighting on the inside will be finished this week and carpet goes down then tables and chairs. Doug has a beautiful kitchen over-looking the Gulf!

I spent 6 days in New Orleans with a friend collecting enough art work to go into a gallery. We decided since we were going back to our roots we would buy art from those who were hurt by hurricane Katrina......Louisianna artist. They are really starving now. I suggest if you can go to the French Quarter and buy at least one piece of art to help these wonderful people.

If you have not been to New Orleans since Katrina be prepared. I rode through so many different parts of the city and was in shock at what I saw. I heard story after story from both rich and poor. You cannot leave without sharing tears with these people. They are so appreciative if you buy one thing from them...fortunately we have a lot of wall space to decorate.

I have often asked myself over the past months why it was taking so long to get open. After I my trip to New Orleans I know why. We have so much to be thankful for and so often take it for granted. When I think of how it could be our coastline, our homes and stores, schools and restaurants, hospitals and churches that could be in ruins it makes me realize how important community is...because when you're in devestation no one really understands except those who have gone through it with you.

Pray for the coast of Louisianna, Missssippi, Alabama, and Florida. And that's not counting the East coast. It's overwhelming!!!

Will get back with you soon!
Kat

[DD]

IKT: Hope I get to dine in your new place in October!! It sounds great! Thanks for posting your art buying story--very touching.

[Bobby J]

Can not wait!!!!

[flowergirl40pc]

I was the one helping you with the wallpaper, hope the new owners are taking good care of you...........I'm looking forward to heading over there once ya'll get opened up, just make sure it's before Nov. 4th.......my wedding day.........lol, then I'll be off to Jacksonville, but will be back to visit this way OFTEN since I am native to PC and my family and friends are here...........GOOD LUCK with everything!

[Franny]

Hello everyone....it's late we're working 24/7 to get open. Just want you to know it will be hopefully by October 15th, but don't hold me to that. We've had more ups and downs then I can count. Just when we think we've gone 10 steps forward something knocks us back 15 steps.

Soon to come the menu!!!! Lighting on the inside will be finished this week and carpet goes down then tables and chairs. Doug has a beautiful kitchen over-looking the Gulf!

I spent 6 days in New Orleans with a friend collecting enough art work to go into a gallery. We decided since we were going back to our roots we would buy art from those who were hurt by hurricane Katrina......Louisianna artist. They are really starving now. I suggest if you can go to the French Quarter and buy at least one piece of art to help these wonderful people.

If you have not been to New Orleans since Katrina be prepared. I rode through so many different parts of the city and was in shock at what I saw. I heard story after story from both rich and poor. You cannot leave without sharing tears with these people. They are so appreciative if you buy one thing from them...fortunately we have a lot of wall space to decorate.

I have often asked myself over the past months why it was taking so long to get open. After I my trip to New Orleans I know why. We have so much to be thankful for and so often take it for granted. When I think of how it could be our coastline, our homes and stores, schools and restaurants, hospitals and churches that could be in ruins it makes me realize how important community is...because when you're in devestation no one really understands except those who have gone through it with you.

Pray for the coast of Louisianna, Missssippi, Alabama, and Florida. And that's not counting the East coast. It's overwhelming!!!

Will get back with you soon!
Kat

Very inspiring and heart warming. Thank you for your thoughtful story. We plan to visit NO soon and will be sure and look at all the beautiful art and hopefully buy a few!