Photo credit: www.bonappetit.com
As you settle onto a stool at the counter, a burst of vibrant produce from the farmers market catches your eye, seamlessly blending with the stylish beige backsplash and modern silver appliances. This thoughtful design reflects the inviting atmosphere found in Chef Angelo Sosa’s home kitchen, inspired by the open layouts prevalent in his four restaurants: Kembara and Tía Carmen in Phoenix, along with Carmocha and Tía Carmen in Indian Wells, California. Designed with a focus on communal cooking and social interaction, Sosa’s kitchen embodies his belief that practicality and beauty go hand in hand.
The layout features a spacious oven that doesn’t overpower the kitchen’s aesthetic, a refrigerator with a glass panel that allows for quick inventory checks, and conveniently placed outlets designed to maximize countertop utility. No matter if you’re undergoing a complete renovation, settling into a new residence, or just looking to enhance your kitchen space, Chef Sosa’s philosophy serves as an excellent guide for creating a food-centric environment.
LG French Door Refrigerator with InstaView
Central to Chef Sosa’s culinary space is the concept of “mental mise en place,” which emphasizes mental preparation alongside physical organization. The fridge features a tinted glass panel on its front right that lights up with a simple tap, allowing a quick glance at its contents without opening the door. This organization transcends aesthetic appeal; it significantly improves functionality in meal prep. Sosa advocates for consistency in food storage, encouraging an intuitive “grab-and-go” style that aligns with a first-in, first-out system for maintaining freshness.
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender
The Vitamix E310 stands out as a versatile tool for both inexperienced and seasoned cooks alike. This high-performance blender excels in creating smooth soups, crushed ice, and even homemade nut butter. Its design ensures easy storage, whether in cabinets or on the countertop. According to Sosa, this equipment transcends simple blending; it breaks ingredients down to their smallest forms, unlocking rich flavors.
Cuisinart Smart Stick® Variable Speed Hand Blender
The importance of having both a conventional blender and an immersion blender is evident in Sosa’s kitchen. The handheld blender plays a crucial role in “practical prep,” allowing for quick vinaigrettes and sauces, as well as fluffy whipped cream creation with its whisk attachment. Sosa also relies on the chopper/grinder for efficient slicing and dicing, making it a key tool in his cooking routine.
Equipped with five burners, including one capable of producing an impressive 18,000 BTUs for rapid boiling and another for steady simmering at 5,000 BTUs, Chef Sosa’s gas range is a powerhouse. The convection oven beneath adds to this functionality. Sosa encourages a hands-on approach to cooking, suggesting alternatives to traditional pots and pans: “Don’t be afraid to take tortillas and toast them directly on the fire,” he says, enjoying the simplicity and authenticity that comes from cooking with open flames. The sturdy, edge-to-edge grates of the range serve multiple purposes, almost acting like a grill, showcasing Sosa’s resourcefulness when it comes to culinary creativity.
Source
www.bonappetit.com