Dan's Papers - June 29, 2007 - Plein Air Gourmet

There's a hot trend in kitchen design right now that is perfect for your East End getaway: outdoor kitchens. After a long work week, who wouldn't want to spend the warm summer evenings with friends, a beautiful beach view and a grill blazing with a bounty of fresh, local fare? For years, we have been preparing and eating outside, but with new technology and creative designers, the food prep workspace has been taken to new levels.

The centerpiece of even the most simplistic outdoor kitchens is the trusty grill. Consider your favored method of grilling: is it charcoal or gas? If gas, what type? Look for advanced model designs that include side burners and storage spaces built right into them. Ensure that each burner has an individual control so that you can cook a variety of meats, fish and side dishes at different temperatures. Some grills offer back Rotisseries, which is a great feature if you like big cuts of meat; it cooks them perfectly! If you are interested in slow cooking, make sure your model comes with a built in thermometer to let you track the inner temperature when the lid is down. Stainless steel seems to be the favorite material of modern grills with its sleek look and excellent durability.

A bit bored of grills? Although no outdoor kitchen is complete without one, perhaps a wood-burning oven would be a better focal point for your home? This feature will allow for endless design possibilities, using different rock or brick materials to form the fireplace and constructing a suitable opening shape. Plus, how many outdoor parties have you attended where pizza was the star entree?

What takes the outdoor kitchen to new heights is bringing the conveniences of inside out. Most importantly, you will need counter and storage space. Some barbecue models will have these built in, but consider separate structures and units. Try these counter tops in natural stone or even colorful, Mediterranean tiles. The next important item on your list will be a sink. Yes, this will require some more intensive construction now that plumbing is involved, but this is essential and a standard in design to allow for easy water filling and cleaning. Finally, search for a fridge and icemaker of a suitable size; while some will only need to keep beverages cold (replacing the old cooler), others will want their fish and cheese close to the eating area.

Outdoor kitchens are more than just kitchens, but also they are outdoor dining rooms and entertaining spaces! Consider not only the standard patio table, but perhaps an island. This will allow for more counter top space when needed and also for those on stools to be close to the chef for optimal interaction. Allow two feet of space for each stool you would like to have. And don't forget a place for the drinks! If you are a cocktail fan, consider a setup that will be built into the rest of your unit near the sink or a freestanding cart that will allow for added mobility. If beer is more of your thing, try a built in kegarator that'll get a lot of use. And don't forget the music! As an entertaining space, you should include an outdoor stereo system. With new advances and reasonable prices, ditch that poor sounding boom box for something built in.

Cold, ocean breezes leaving you chilled? Consider space in your design for propane heaters and extend the months you can use your new kitchen. Hot, Saturday afternoon? Awnings and umbrella placements can provide some shade, in addition to outdoor-rated ceiling fans mounted from overhangs. Has your design incorporated some overlooked kitchen essentials, such as a pull-out garbage bin or a paper towel dispenser, both which should be sufficiently covered to avoid wind-blown mishaps?

What's the point of a summer in the Hamptons if you're not going to enjoy the outdoor and that ocean air? Expand your usable living space with an outdoor kitchen and increase the value and enjoyment of your home this season!