Thursday, January 28, 2010

Our Wine Country Kitchen with Chef Aaron


I am featuring the kitchen in our Wine Country home for "Show and Tell Friday" and "Foodie Friday" as well. It seemed like a logical segue from my last post of the dining room and tablescape.

The view above takes in most of the room, which is basically round, or octagon shaped. The floor is gray/green cement.

Looking to the right is an industrial shelving unit with the cookware and plates, stove and sink. The door leads out to the vegetable garden. The previous owner left us the shelving units, barstools, window coverings, and even the cookware!

Close up of the industrial Thermador range, and the subway tile backsplash.

The ceramic tray of oils, vinegars, salt and herbs at the ready.

One of two sinks. This one looks out to the old oak tree. I love the Carrera marble countertops.

A close up of the Fortuny fabric roman shades used throughout the kitchen. The previous owner has a window covering business, so I feel lucky that all the curtains and blinds in the house are actually to my taste.

Looking to the left of the room is another industrial shelving unit, and a cozy seating area.

Originally, this area was used as a kitchen dining area, but sister-in-law Ann talked me in to getting rid of the table and chairs and creating a seating area instead. The best idea yet! I love sitting here watching whoever is cooking, or having my morning coffee. The chairs are from Crate and Barrel. The pillows are also Fortuny.

The shelving unit to the left with plates, linens, cookbooks and serving pieces.

Close up of my majolica pieces. The green plates in the middle are actually plastic. Perfect for serving outside.

This old wooden wine box came in handy for storing Pellegrino.

The view from the seating area. The island dominates the room with it's higher than usual countertop, two dishwashers and another sink. I find it interesting the mix of high and low end materials in this kitchen. The cabinets are inexpensive MDF Thermofoil, yet expensive Carrera marble tops them. Most of the appliances are high end, yet the refrigerator isn't. Just an interesting side note.

Close up of the island countertop.

The wall cabinet behind the island, which I featured in a previous post.

Close up of inside the wall cabinet with some of my bistro ware.

Back to the beginning. We just made a big circle around the room!

We enjoy cooking in this kitchen, as do our two "foodie" kids. While visiting for the weekend a few weeks ago, Aaron, my "culinary autodidact"son made the most incredible dish. Homemade ricotta gnocchis with a quail boullinaise sauce. Delicious!

I attempted to photograph him in the process of making this dish:

He first assembled his ingredients, or "mise en place."

He pulled all the meat off the four quails.

He then sauted it all together with some tomato sauce and paste.


While the boullinaise was simmering, he made the ricotta gnocchis.

And there you have it: a very hearty meal! Sorry, I don't have the recipe. It's all in Aaron's head!

I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for "Show and Tell Friday."
I'm also joining the potluck "Foodie Friday" hosted by Michael at Designs by Gollum.
Be sure to check out both of these blogs for recipes and inspiration.

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34 comments:

susan said...

The wall cabinet still makes me swoon! Your son is very creative--never eaten quail like that. You do have some beautiful fabric in the kitchen and sitting area. Love it all!

Diann @ The thrifty Groove said...

stunning kitchen!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Uh, wow pretty much covers it!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Okay Delores, I'm packing my bags! I'm going to live at your house(es)! Actually, I'll live in the one y'all aren't in, and switch with you when you want to go to the other one. You'll never even know I was there. This kitchen belongs in a magazine! It is wonderful! I always use the same words when I come to your blog. That's because I love your homes and your design sense. laurie

Debbiedoos said...

OK now that I picked up my jaw from the ground I can say WOWWEE!!!! Just beautiful and the meal was to die for!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

What a wonderful kitchen. I love all the elements... the stove, the cabinets, the white dishes, the seating area, the Fortuny fabric, and I love what your son made for dinner! Gosh, that quail looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.

Happy Foodie Friday...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Your wine country home kitchen is fabulous! Love the white. It looks spacious and cool. It looks like you could have a party there while you cook. Friendly and open!
And your food-YUMMY!
Yvonne

Lenore said...

What an absolutely fabulous kitchen....aren't you the lucky girl!!!!

French-Kissed said...

A beautiful and functional kitchen and I do love the sitting area. You have fabulous storage and display options and lots of room to move around. I also adore the rustic tablescape in the prior post. Everything in your home is so warm and inviting...makes me feel like I could just move right in. ~jermaine~

Razmataz said...

There are so many things I love about this room. The concrete floors, the marble counters, those sconces by the chairs and I have serious stove envy. Love the way you have accessorized it.

Becca Bertotti said...

WOW!! What an absolutely beautiful kitchen (and home) !! I LOVE everything about it ... magazine-worthy !! Are you accepting reservations?! LOL. Thanks for sharing, Becca (Adventures in Decorating)

Hootin Anni said...

Very pretty...I think I like the window with the outdoor plants seen through it most.

My show n tell is all about Valentine stuff this week.

HERE

LENE said...

Hi Delores
Thank you for your very nice comment on my blog.
What a beautiful kitchen you have! It's great and practical decorated. I love your big cabinet and the Thermador - I am overjoyed:)
You and I have exactly the same green plates with leaves, so fun ...
Wish you a wonderful weekend!
xx
Lene

A Hint of Home said...

What a dream kitchen to cook in. I have some of those shelving units. Aren't they great.

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Fantastic kitchen! The counters are to die for, and all of the display areas are wonderful. The island with the second sink an two dishwashers would be a dream come true for me! Your kitchen is perfect...and memorable!
♥, Susan

Kathysue said...

Amazing, Gorgeous, Wonderful those are only three of the adjectives I can use to describe you amazing kitchen. I am also wanting to see MORE. Your home is lovely land Sonoma is one of my favorite places to visit,what a lucky girl you are to live in such an amazing location and enviroment. Kathysue

Ms. Bake-it said...

What a fabulous kitchen! I would love to have that much room to create in. I miss my large and sunny kitchen.

Thanks for sharing.
~ Tracy

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

What a lovely home you have. I can imagine how beautiful it is outside as well.

:)
ButterYum

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Very Pretty! Thanks for sharing with us. I have not had quail in years.

Denise Marie said...

yummy..all the eye candy and the dish!!

Sonia said...

Your kitchen is just perfect...I love the white cabinetry and the marble countertops are to die for! The setting area does look wonderful, cozy and a great place to read while waiting for something in the oven. I love that industrial shelving...I might need to squeeze some into my pantry for all my dishes. Majolica is one of my favs and what a great collection you have...I saw some of the plasticware while in Sonoma and now wish I would have purchased some...they are so realistic...maybe next trip! Love your post!

Miss Bloomers

Kathy said...

Gorgeous wine country kitchen Delores, Aarons Gnocchi looks delicious, YAY! for sons :-)

Marigene said...

Fabulous kitchen! I love the amount of dish cupboards you have. You are right, the green grape dishes would look right at home in your kitchen! Thanks for sharing.

Holly Lefevre said...

What a fantastic kitchen. I am so jealous!

Rattlebridge Farm said...

I feel as if I'd had a visit with you. Your son has the touch--the food looks scrumptious. I love, love, love your kitchen. We just bought industrial shelves. If I ever finish this book, I'm going to organize my tablescaping stuff. It's the dangling carrot. This post was a delight.
XX00

Jade Creative said...

This is a fabulous space... can I come for dinner?
Have a fantastic weekend.
darlene

Cindy said...

I think I'm about 2 hours away...I'll be right over for a late dinner! haha! I'm so envious of your gorgeous kitchen! Thanks so much for joining in on Show and Tell!

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

I'm so jealous, I don't know if we can be friends anymore...lol It is wonderful, perfect in everyway!

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

What a wonderful post and kitchen. Big enough for all my friends to help in the kitchen.

VINTAGE HOME lifestyle said...

Your home is just amazing. It really should be in a magazine. I would start with SUNSET...
Have a wonderful weekend.
Cathleen

Montse said...

Gosh I love your country house, My favorite is definetely the contrast of industrial materials and earthy accesories. The plain cement floor is a winner. Love to come to your blog for inspiration.

Unknown said...

Love your kitchen!! The food looks yummy, too.

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a beautiful kitchen! I love all the detailed photographs.. Thanks for stopping by nestegg. I SO enjoy your blog! xoRH

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

I'm at a loss for words, stunning!!

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