Al Fresco Dining and Outdoor Kitchen Pro Tips
Al Fresco Dining for Your Life
With warm days and nights to entice us outside, who can resist the urge for some al fresco dining? As we get deep into summer and the kiddos aren't yet back in school, it’s a good time to sit back, take a deep breath and enjoy our homes and the beautiful outdoors. Santa Barbara is known for spectacular weather, particularly from spring to fall. It's the perfect time to get out and enjoy our gardens before the winter rains (yes, I am still hopeful we’ll be getting them). And I’m not just talking dinner parties. It’s one thing to have a patio with table and chairs, but to truly take advantage of this glorious season an outdoor kitchen is essential.
This al fresco dining set up pulls out all the stops with an outdoor kitchen and comfortable seating.
I recall one client who had a wonderful setup on their back patio: gas grill, fridge, sink and lots of counter space. Surrounding the cooking counter was a bar and stools so the entire family could watch over the chef. She told me that in summer the family ate all their meals outside--even breakfast. Its proximity made it an extension of the home because it was easy to access and simple to use. Right outside the dining room, this outdoor kitchen became an indispensable element in their daily life.
Outdoor dining can be as simple as breakfast or as formal as a dinner party.
An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a Hibachi on a picnic table or go extravagant with an over-the-top affair with range, grill, sink, refrigerator and a pizza oven. Some folks like to include a fireplace, cushy loungers and a big-screen television for the full package. It all depends on what fits your life and budget.
Outdoor Kitchen Secrets From Bruce Giffin
In preparation for this column, I decided to meet up with Bruce Giffin, co-founder of Giffin and Crane, one of Santa Barbara’s most prestigious general contractors. Bruce has over 30 years of experience building and remodeling homes and kitchens. He is an ideal resource for anyone thinking of building an outdoor kitchen for their al fresco dining project. Bruce had some good insight for anyone considering expanding his or her outdoor living space.
Here’s what he had to say:
Lisa Cullen: When it comes to selecting counter surfaces for an outdoor kitchen, are there considerations that differ from an indoor kitchen?
Bruce Giffin: Durable and easy to clean, a solid surface is best. If the countertop is exposed to sunlight I don’t recommend a dark color, it will get hot.
LC: In working with clients and designing outdoor kitchens, what elements do you consider essential?
BG: Good lighting that can be adjusted, you’ll want soft lighting for conversation and eating, yet need task lighting for the cooking area. Also, since grills often aren’t that attractive, balancing convenience with aesthetics is tricky. Some folks put the grill on the backside of a low wall so that the chef is close at hand facing the group. The grill then is out of sight. (Note to self- that’s a great idea).
LC: When building outdoor spaces, we want them to be something the client will actually use and enjoy. From your years of experience are there any pitfalls to avoid so that the spaces actually get used?
BG:
Proximity - I think the closer they are to the house, the more likely the outdoor kitchen will get used.
Shade - To make the kitchen usable, it must have shade.
Wind - Take into account the way cool winds blow in that location.
Heat - Outdoor heaters can take the chill off the evening air. To make best use of the space, build them into the ceiling. Use a timer on the heaters so you don’t forget to turn them off.
Comfort - Comfy outdoor furniture is a must.
Santa Barbara Living Starts in the Garden
There is something innately celebratory about al fresco dining, bringing to mind Tuscany or perhaps Provence. When the temperature is agreeable and the fragrance of herbs and flowers waft in on a gentle wind ready to envelop you in the scent of summer, it seems a shame not to step out of the norm and into the fresh air. For me, Santa Barbara living is all about the act of getting out and taking pleasure in the day. You can enjoy your garden even if your outdoor kitchen consists only of that Hibachi and picnic table. Anyone can have a beautiful garden because it starts with the decision to splurge on the beauty of living.
What’s better than good food, lovely company, and great weather?
Chris and I have made a habit of having tea in the late afternoon; it gives us a chance to decompress and catch up with each other after a busy day. When the sun is out we always take tea on the back patio. We may not have a big outdoor kitchen, but we do have a beautiful garden with dappled sunlight provided by ancient oaks. There’s the joyous sound of water from a fountain a few feet away to which tiny birds come to drink and bathe. These moments of quiet encircled by fragrance, herbs, flowers and trees gives us the chance to absorb the beauty of our surroundings. We can enjoy the view of Montecito Peak in our little version of al fresco dining (or tea).
Until next time, fill your garden with the joy!