For many Americans, the kitchen has become such an essential room when considering a home. So I could empathize with this lady’s search for a proper kitchen in Paris and it made me think back to my tiny place in the 7eme. I had a kitchen nook, with only a tiny fridge, sink and two hotplate burners. No oven. Even my first Paris apartment in the 13eme, which was adorable and decently sized for Paris, lacked an oven. It pained me that I wasn’t able to take advantage of cooking wonderful things with the aid of an oven. It’s no wonder I never felt cozy at either place.
My quality of life in London has improved dramatically. I’m cooking all the time. I mean, look at this kitchen! It’s perfect for making roasts, tagines and soups. I’ve even started to bake.
One of my favorite aspects of this kitchen is the wooden table, which you can kind of see. I think it’s so important! In Paris, people don’t socialize in the kitchen and it’s usually not a place for guests. But this is where I usually hang out with my flatmates and friends.
Lots of proper knives, pots, pans and appliances that a transient like me could never acquire in the last three years living abroad. It obviously helps that one of my flatmates loves to cook and writes about food.
I like the set of Maxwell & Williams storage jars and its apothecary look.
It’s nice to say that so far, I’m feeling at home in London.
March 28, 2011 at 10:51 am
I completely agree about the kitchen being a place to hang out and socialize. That’s why I absolutely prefer open kitchens to closed-off, separate ones. Looks like you found a great kitchen! I’m particularly jealous of the gas range.
March 31, 2011 at 9:43 am
The gas range IS really nice after more than a year using those hot plate things in Paris.
March 29, 2011 at 3:36 am
Your kitchen is AMAZING! Definitely an upgrade. I’d even consider giving up Paris for that…. could you fit a sleeping bag in there? I’ll bake for you, promise!
March 31, 2011 at 9:45 am
Sure I can’t resist an offer for baked goods. There’s plenty of room here!
March 29, 2011 at 3:36 am
Awesome kitchen!! I don’t doubt that you love it! How in the world could you happily live in Paris without a stove? Me, the cookie monster, would be miserable.
March 31, 2011 at 9:46 am
Yes a bit cheated out of a full eating experience by not being able to cook so well in Paris.
March 29, 2011 at 11:41 pm
What a cute kitchen! happy for you Cyn! A good kitchen totally makes you more happy. And you’re baking?? Wahow! Is that a can of Fortnum and Mason tea on the shelf?? mmm…. Whats that white machine with the round window that looks like a washing machine? is that the dishwasher??
March 31, 2011 at 9:49 am
Yes, that’s a front loading washing machine and the washing machine is to the left of the sink. The lower shelf is all teas, including F&M ones. I’m going to bake some Earl Grey tea cookies with it this weekend.
March 31, 2011 at 7:30 am
Ohhh… love it! THAT is the kind of kitchen you want to hang out in! What’s your favorite thing you’ve made recently?
March 31, 2011 at 9:51 am
Hmmm…I’m really enjoying making tagines. It’s fun playing with different flavors. I recently made a chicken tagine with lemons, olives, apricots and almonds.
March 31, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Love those jars! Beautiful.