As many of you may know or don't know, I will move eventually from Rhode Island to Delaware. While the exact date is not yet known, it is a definite fact that I will be moving. We are planning our dream home which will be a three-story 2400 square foot townhome.
Yes, it is really big for two people, but we decided that this will be the last place that we will live. We have met with the builder and have gone over several options and upgrades. Surprisingly, (so far) we are in agreement with almost everything. Building a house is nothing short of nerve-wracking! Not only is the financing something that will turn your stomach into knots, but there are also so many decisions concerning what will be DONE once you have broken ground. Of course, the most important room for me in the house is the kitchen (Quelle surprise), which is the heart of the home.
While my partner insists that I design the kitchen, he also is being too generous with the budget. The builder is including two major appliances in the build. Granted they are nice, but not wanting to sound like a snob, they simply are not up to my standards. My apologies to General Electric. So why the dilemma? Well while my partner is being very generous with the budget, I don't want him to feel like I am taking advantage of the situation. You see, as many of you know, I have a very small catering company and I want the kitchen to be up to local code so that I can cook right in our new home. To do this, I am probably going to need commercial grade appliances.
Trust me, I have researched almost every appliance brand out there and have come to at least two conclusions. Viking is right out! First and foremost is the cost! After pricing out everything from stove to refrigerator, the cost for the appliances was going to be a whopping $37,000! YIKES! That total doesn't even include a washer and dryer, but that is another story! Secondly, I have read review after review that Viking now, is not what Viking once was. I actually read a review this morning where the client had the knobs on the stove start to rust within a few months! So I researched Dacor, Thermador, Five Star, Capital, Kitchen Aid, Whirlpool and of course Wolf. The kitchen measures a whopping 22 x 14 feet. And while the existing layout is nice, it is not what I want (see the above photo). The cooking island is too small, so I have decided to enlarge it to 10 X 4 feet. I also am turning the island by 90 degrees to that it will fit into the room much better, I am adding a sink and the dishwasher will also fit under the island. I originally considered putting a cooking top into the island, but after careful consideration and consultation from foodie friends of mine, I decided to nix that idea. I need work space and putting a cooktop in the middle of the island would really cut my workspace in half. It also would add a substantial cost to the upgrade.
The biggest decision that I have to make and have not yet made it is, do I want built in double ovens, OR, do I go with a stove that is big enough to have two full sized double ovens and full cooking top with at least six burners with grill and broiler? HMMMMMMMM. This one is really killing me. On one hand, I like the idea of double ovens, but then they will cut down on cabinet space, but they would definitely be easier to access than ovens that are down low.
So after considerable research, I am leaning toward BlueStar. 
Many of you may have never heard of BlueStar, but trust me you will hear more about them as they become more popular. Here is the reason I believe I will be choosing BlueStar for my new kitchen.
BlueStar Features
BlueStar ranges come in a number of configurations, including grill and griddle options, to accommodate all my cooking needs. With the BlueStar gas ranges, I will have the broiling, baking, surface cooking capacities and overall performance that a professional chef would desire. A good reason why home chefs turn to BlueStar gas ranges.
BlueStar's UltraNova® power burner delivers an intense 22,000 BTU flame, perfect for achieving a rapid boil, high-heat sear, or the perfect saute.
FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE
With an almost infinite combination of burner configurations, colors, and sizes, BlueStar ranges can be built to suit your personal style and unique cooking preferences.
Heavy-Duty Precision Contols
Push-to-turn burner knobs with infinite settings provide the precise temperature control home chefs desire.
Superior Oven Capacity
The home baker's restaurant dream - BlueStar's 30", 36", 48" & 60" ranges each feature a full-extension oven rack and extra-large oven capacity to accommodate an 18"x26" commercial baking sheet.
Durable Construction
Constructed of superior-quality, commercial-grade stainless steel, BlueStar products are built to last and designed to withstand the rigors of the busiest home kitchens.
Gentle Simmer
BlueStar's 130°F simmer burner features precise temperature control and flame disbursement, perfect for gently warming delicate soups and sauces.
Convection Oven System
BlueStar's unique oven baffle design and convection fan system result in even heat distribution and precise, accurate baking.
Made In The U.S.A.
BlueStar products are proudly handcrafted in the USA in Reading, Pennsylvania, factory, where they have produced premium cooking products since 1880.
So while no decision is yet finalized, this is what the stove possibly could look like. Pretty cool huh?
Oh and there are thousands fo decisions to go! I hope we both keep our sanity through all of this. I will certainly keep you updated on our progress. I wish to thank BlueStar for the pictures and the copy for this installment of my blog.
So that's all for now. I wish you all a happy and safe Fourth of July!
All the best to you and those you hold dear, and only the best for your table! Until next time, I remain yours, Bobby.
