Getting Started on My Kitchen Remodel

My favorite spot to relax: the built-in bench in my new kitchen!

When describing my planned kitchen remodel a friend said "you will break down at least once during construction."  I nonchalantly said "no way, I've got this under control." That statement now makes me laugh.

While working from home today I strolled in to the dining area to grab some juice from the still-plugged-in refrigerator.  The contractor mumbled something about the floor being damaged by water so I threw out something like "does that mean we'll need to pull up the cabinets we didn't plan to replace or is there another option?"

The contractor explained that what's visible is a "piecemeal floor".  As in, not really planned and pieced together (hence the map now visible ON the floor itself.)  Oh and damaged by water which means probably unstable long term.

I'm sure this is standard practice but I found this amusing as the demolition started.

It took me about 2 hours to reach the acceptance phase:  this project WILL cost more than I expected and I can't take shortcuts without risking problems down the road.   I drafted and then sent an email to Olga (Cabinets & Beyond, San Mateo) with this message:

Heads up: we might need to put a rush order on more cabinets!

And then I went for a walk around the block (after work of course.)  Breakdown averted for that day.

Cabinets and Beyond

San Mateo

Range hood

Vent-a-hood

Pricey but quiet.  "It won't sound like a jet engine in your kitchen when it's running". 

Manufactured in Texas, took 6 weeks to deliver and it arrived intact. Note: the hood is very quiet when it's on the low setting. No complaints!

From Cramped Quarters to Open Concept: The Story of My Kitchen Remodel

After six years of plotting I took the plunge and started a kitchen remodel. Below is my story.

Here's the "before" shot (it's a beauty.)  Originally this entire space (including the area I'm standing) included the cooking area, breakfast nook, a small TV room (across from the cooking area) and a dining room (across from the breakfast nook).  All these rooms added up to many sliding doors and separated spaces - too many in my opinion. 

So we knocked out the wall between the TV room and dining room to create one large dining area filled with one very large table.  The last step in this journey is to remove the wall (below) and create an open, airy space which allows for easy flow of guests and occupants alike.

"Before" shows 2 separate sections for cooking and a small, fairly unusable breakfast nook on the right side. The "after" photo shows the removal of that center console. Big difference!

Regarding dinner parties, it's often observed that everyone gathers in the kitchen, particularly in the smallest area (the "cooking area"). Once the renovation is finished, people will likely continue to congregate there, but at least there will be enough space for everyone, including me, the cook, to move around freely.

The photo below displays the demolished kitchen, where the older, yet well-crafted cabinets remain. The range (which has been in the garage for nearly 4 years) and hood occupy the old central space.

Then, we (as if I'm actually doing the work) cover all surfaces with beautiful granite and resurface the floors with new tile.  Stay tuned and I'll be sure to post a few recipes as I venture into the world of microwave cuisine.  I know, I know, cue the violinists so everyone can feel sorry for me!

Demo done, ready for progress!

 All kidding aside, I am excited to see the results and I'm sure I'll wonder why it took me six years to get this project off the ground (oh yeah...money.)

San Jose Del Cabo: Villa Valentina

Although it's summer in the Bay Area and my vacation now seems so long ago (really only a month ago) I'm still hungering for Baja and the food I love so much.  Tacos were the vision - and we did partake - but we also ventured out to restaurants for meals which captured the essence of the region and time and time again reflected the hospitality of the people. 

Martini-time at Villa Valentina

Three standouts on this trip include the following:

The Drunken Sailor 

Located near the new marina (look for Hotel El Ganzo) and sporting a casual, beachy vibe this place really delivers.  We ordered the taco chino; a tortilla filled with panko coated shrimp and topped with a cilantro sesame dressing.    In addition I tried the enchiladas verde filled with shrimp and just the right amount of tang and spice.   This was a nice start to the trip.... 

After dinner we hung on the deck of the very cool and sophisticated Hotel El Ganzo.  El Ganzo is jaw-dropping with it's chic decor, relaxed vibe and roof top pool.   The rooms vary from waaayyyy over the top (one has a ping pong table AND workout room) to more subdued but all boast views of the marina and on this night were served up by Gerry, our effervescent host and impromptu tour guide.  

Hotel El Ganzo

Next up a trip to Todos Santos to see the real Hotel California.  Of course we were famished upon arrival and a taco platter plus ceviche with red pepper cream salsa was in order.  I admit I had an Eagles soundtrack playing in my head "Welcome to the Hotel California..." but it wasn't until we visited Hacienda Cerritos I felt the dream materialize.  Beautiful stonework, pools overlooking the Pacific and a friendly cat jumping around to greet us made for a delightful day trip away from the core. 

Villa Valentina

Part home decor store, art center and restaurant is the best way I can describe Villa Valentina.  Throw in well-prepared food and the sound of a local musician on his guitar and you've almost got your own romantic movie.   

My dinner companions ordered the huarache (chipped duck with mole, really terrific) and chicken with - you guessed it - more mole.  As odd as this sounds, I ordered the fish and chips thinking it would be fun to see how other cultures prepare this iconic American dish.  In this case, Villa Valentina nailed their rendition and put their own stamp on it with fresh local sea bass perfectly cooked and served alongside wedge cut potatoes.  And don't forget the tarter sauce (I didn't!)

Huarache with chipped duck and mole.

Cazuelas del don

Located in San Jose del Cabo off the tourist loop this local restaurant is about as authentic as you can get.  The premise is that each day the owner slow cooks meat, vegetables and spices and then you get to choose how the concoction is served up.  On  this day we were treated to La Ira; arrachera, chile poblano and cebolla (plus a few other ingredients.)  I opted for the baked potato, my companions the torta (sandwich) and volcan which seemed to translate to "all piled up on a crispy tortilla". 

Torta at Cazuela's (with crispy cheese tucked inside!)

This was probably one of my favorite places and not just because the food was so interestingly delicious.  It's because it was served with a dose of pride and much warmth by the owners themselves.  To this day my travel companion lights up when talk turns to Cabo, Cazuelas and that lovely torta!