There isn’t a cook or avid host alive who hasn’t entertained thoughts of their dream kitchen. And if you already have the kitchen of your dreams indoors, it’s time to take that dream outdoors.
Even with access to his own exceptional outdoor entertainment spaces, Muskoka BBQ and Outdoor Kitchen Centre owner
Peter Briese never stops dreaming up fantastic kitchens for himself and of course, for clients.
“Sometimes a design comes together and takes your breath away,” Peter says of the recent Capo Cuoco kitchen system they put together. “They’re all beautiful because they match the property owner’s needs and wants lists. But this one is a real heart-stopper for sure.”
A well-built kitchen looks incredible, of course, but it also functions superbly well, and stands up to the demands of use and, in our climate, the elements. Capo Cuoco kitchen systems check all the boxes. These cabinets have been tested on coasts and marine environments for over two years under various weather conditions, so you know they can handle anything our regional climate can throw their way.
“You want the main components, both cabinets and counters, to be up to the task in every sense,” adds Peter.
With perfect Italian minimalist design, Capo Cuoco kitchen systems are also built to last, with heavy gauge modular chassis construction. Seamless welded handles add a rich elegant look, too.
“This cabinetry features all kinds of deluxe touches, such as Japanese rare earth magnets, German-engineered hinge systems, and soft-close drawers,” says Peter. “It’s all smooth and silent.”
High performance
With a 42-inch built-in Hestan grill, hosts are equipped to throw some serious dinner parties. The grill delivers, with its 25,000 BTU high-performance burners and a nicely concealed whisper quiet infrared rotisserie. It also has motion-activated under-hood lighting for nighttime food preparation.
Colours and configurations can be customized for the countertops, too, which is a design bonus that is truly the stuff of dreams. “Waterfall Laminam countertops are a winning option for an outdoor kitchen,” says Peter. “You combine incredible elegance and sleek lines with a scratch-resistant, durable surface that can handle the elements, resisting heat and freezing temperatures alike.”
The colour-stable countertops are extremely popular. The waterfall design option creates a peaceful flow to the kitchen and gathering areas.
Designed for you
Outdoor kitchens are about the details that work for each unique property owner. You know what you like to cook, who you want to entertain and which times of day your outdoor kitchen will see the most traffic.
“We’ve also worked with quite a few people who see the value in more than one outdoor cooking area, depending on their daily activities,” adds Peter. “If you spend most of the daytime hours down at the water by the dock and boathouse, you might want to create a convenient kitchen there. Come nightfall, an outdoor entertainment space and kitchen closer to the cottage can be equally desirable.”
In terms of kitchen design, Peter works closely with each client to realize the vision they have. The positioning of cabinets and counters is important, and so are the choices of grills, ovens, sinks and fridges.
Undercounter lighting is designed to look great and also provide essential illumination.
Perlick manufactures stunning refrigerated drawers, wine reserves and beverage refrigerators to suit every possible kitchen dream. Keeping it cool has seldom looked so classy.
Since we’re talking about dream kitchens, it makes sense to have a little extra fun. “We love it when clients add an appliance that uplevels the versatility and fun of outdoor cooking and entertaining,” says Peter. “The Yoder Smoker is one of those add-ons that everyone is glad they included.”
These smokers are pellet-fed and have an iconic design recognizable to smoking afficionados everywhere. The competition cart with no-flat wheels allows you to wheel the appliance into position with ease.
Consider yourself warned, though: using them can become something of an addiction as chefs new to the culinary art explore everything from smoked briskets and pork butts to whole turkeys, beer can chickens, and seared steaks.
The outdoor kitchen is one of those investments you never regret, and since it’s a space based on your own imagination and dreams, and planned with care, it will always be a heart centre for your home or cottage.
TEXT MARNIE WOODROW
PHOTOS SCOTT TURNBULL
