The Coral Gables Community Foundation’s ninth annual Tour of Kitchens presented by Infiniti of Coral Gables on Saturday, Feb. 3, broke attendance records as over 700 foodies, home-design enthusiasts and architecture admirers “toured” The City Beautiful’s finest kitchens.
The tour began with mimosas and breakfast at Infiniti of Coral Gables. Radio and TV personality Linda Gassenheimer conducted a “Meet and Greet” and book signing. At 10 a.m., tour participants began their journey through CoralGables.
From a historic landmark residence in the Italian Village to the Old Spanish residence of Inkberries owner Catalina Perez Cohn in the Golden Triangle neighborhood, guests explored eight of Coral Gables’ finest private home kitchens while they savored samples from local restaurants such as Swine and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and shopped from vendors like Nautica Gallery Design and Victoria’s Armoire, among many others.
The winner of the 2018 Best Taste award was Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse serving their lamb lollipops and sweet potato casserole.
High-end kitchen showrooms Snaidero and Miele were stops on the Tour as well as boutique condominium Biltmore Parc.
The Closing Event was hosted by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery where tour members were treated to Martini Prosecco and a variety of desserts such as ice cream from Frice Cream and macaroons from The Biltmore. There also was a silent auction and an “Ask the Experts” panel offered by award-winning kitchen designers Herbert Brito of Brito Design Studio, Julia Johnston of Kitchens for Cooking and Allison Ortiz of Snaidero.
The winner of the 2018 Best Treat Award was Frice Cream with its gourmet ice cream flavors and waffle cones made on-site.
A tour highlight was the Coral Gables Senior High School’s Culinary Arts Program featuring their student chefs at the home of committee hair Venny Torre.
“The success of this year’s Tour of Kitchens enables us to continue our support of the Coral Gables Senior High School Culinary Arts program and the mission of the Coral Gables Community Foundation,” Torre said.
“It is a fabulous community gathering year after year.”
Foundation board member Venny Torre served as the chair of the tour for the third consecutive year. Venny is president and CEO of Torre Companies, a full-service real estate development, construction management and certified general contracting company known for its attention to quality, creativity and design details.
Venny is also President of the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables’ Board of Directors.
“One of my favorite parts of the tour is the Coral Gables student chefs showcasing their culinary talents,” said Mary Snow, executive director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation. “It’s a great way to have the attendees see the fruit of their support and how it really is full circle.”
For more information, visit www.gablesfoundation.org.
