Gather in the Kitchen: the Quintessential Heart of a Home
Why is it that kitchens always draw a crowd, regardless of their size?
We've all seen it—regardless of the occasion, family and friends always end up in the kitchen when they visit. Experts say people are drawn to the irresistible smells and activities that come from this room. And many special occasions center on a festive meal; it's a part of our American culture, a way to celebrate and express gratitude.
"The kitchen is where we develop our sense of family," said Christy Hodgins, Biltmore™ For Your Home Director of Marketing. "Gathering in the kitchen is all about bonding, warmth, and community. The kitchen and the food that is prepared there give us a way to express love, a way to give to friends and family, and a place for culinary expression."
You probably spend more time in your kitchen than anywhere else in your home, so it should reflect your personality and include tools and items that simplify your life. Making larger kitchen improvements is also a great investment should you ever decide to sell your home.
Two Biltmore™ For Your Home partners can help with cabinets and flooring that add warmth and functionality to your space. Executive Kitchens offers cabinetry inspired by Biltmore, with 24 colors and finishes to suit any taste. Hardwood floors from Anderson Floors are more than beautiful—they resist stains and are more "giving," making it more comfortable to stand for long periods in front of the stove or sink. They are practical too, with seamless construction that keeps food from collecting in crevices.
Updating your kitchen can be as simple as purchasing a great set of kitchen knives or finding just the right cookware. Both items can make meal prep more fun. Belk carries a variety of Biltmore™ For Your Home products, including a stainless steel 17-piece cutlery set and a 10-piece Tri-Ply Cookware set that estate chefs helped to develop.
"I use these pots and pans at home and have put them through their paces," said Bistro Executive Chef Edwin French. "They include an air hole that keeps the pots from rattling, and the clear tops let you see what's happening inside."
Our new salad dressings and marinades provide you with several different options for expressing your culinary creativity. These newest additions to our Biltmore™ For Your Home collection include soy ginger and apple rosemary marinades, and orange-poppyseed, honey mustard, Italian herb, creamy Asiago, and Caesar salad dressings. Biltmore chefs developed and tested these products with a rigorous process.
"We tasted and refined these products to assure they met Biltmore standards before they received our stamp of approval," said Brian Ross, Director of Food and Beverage. "I think guests who purchase these will be delighted." Look for these new salad dressings and marinades this fall on the estate and in area grocery stores.