The annual Kitchens Tour allows visitors to nourish their need for culinary excitement while helping raise money for a Wish with Wings so the organization can continue its mission of granting wishes for Texas children with life-threatening medical conditions. This year's tour takes place on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests will enjoy gourmet treats and interact with noteworthy chefs from Waters, Grace, Del Frisco's Double Eagle, Cuisine for Healing, River Ranch and more. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $30 each or $35 at the door.
Each chef will be housed in one of five gorgeous kitchens located in the luxury La Cantera community. Here is a sneak peek into this year's kitchens.
Buffy and Jon Day
8624 Cantera Way Although they've only lived in their home for four months, Buffy and Jon Day technically began their move-in process a while back. "We purchased the lot and started the design of our home a couple of years ago. It's been a long process but well worth it because we had the right builder involved," Buffy says.
Buffy works with Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee, and Jon has a career in wholesale distribution with Morsco. The couple has two daughters, Brooke and Ashley.
When designing their home, Buffy and Jon said that they kept the idea of entertaining family and friends in mind. "We both have a passion for cooking and love spending time together and with friends," Buffy says. A long bench under a bank of windows at the Days" kitchen table provides ample seating for guests.
The couple describes their design style as transitional. This is evident in their kitchen with the marriage of traditional, timeless features, such as the white granite countertops and sophisticated silver pendant lighting and hardware, with a few contemporary additions like the wine fridge and glass doors on upper cabinets. Dark stained beams set against the white arches in the ceiling add a dramatic pop, as does the darkly painted, oversized island containing a farmhouse sink.
With all of the premium finish-outs they thoughtfully integrated into the design and functionality of their kitchen, Buffy and Jon agree on their favorite feature. "We are crazy about the steam oven. It's changed the way we cook," says Buffy.
Nicole and Jordan Scott
5109 Pato Court Nicole and Jordan Scott own Mama's Pizza and are partners in a new ice cream concept, Creamistry, coming soon to the Left Bank Development in Fort Worth. Nicole also works full time in real estate development with Bobby Cox Companies, Inc.
With hectic work lives, it's imperative that the couple has a place where they can relax and regroup. That place is their La Cantera home, where they have resided for the last year and a half. "We spend a lot of time in our kitchen and love entertaining and cooking for friends and family; it's truly the heart of our home," Nicole says.
Designed in Spanish/Mediterranean style, the Scotts" kitchen has modern twists throughout, although the exposed brick and wooden beams maintain an Old World charm and add warmth to the large space. Nicole did insist on one feature in their kitchen. She says, "Our kitchen island is our favorite feature. There's always plenty of room around it for food, drinks, family and friends."
Monica and Ryan Wood
8632 Cantera Way When Monica and Ryan Wood were approached about participating in this year's Kitchens Tour, there was no hesitation. Monica says, "No one is more deserving of our time and gifts than a child in need."
By day, Ryan is a commercial real estate broker, and Monica feels blessed to be able to devote her time to their sons, Ian and Blake. She says, "Both boys love the wildlife we encounter in La Cantera, including deer, turkeys, rabbits, roadrunners and even coyotes."
When it came to the design of their kitchen, Monica and Ryan wanted to marry the transitional look of the exterior of the house with natural elements. When they decided that they wanted a "living edge" wooden table in the nook, their resourceful designer found them one supported by a chrome base that pairs well with their light fixtures. Monica says, "We tried to go beyond our comfort zone in some places to give the house a little bit of dramatic flair, such as with our wall decor."
The couple's favorite thing about their kitchen is the blue-gray granite and stained wood island. "The granite is called Blue Tortuga, and we chose it for its unique color ...," Monica says. "Our builder helped us select a wood stain and accents to make the island resemble furniture, which we think turned out beautifully," Monica says.
Christi and Bryan Braswell
5017 Cantera Way Clean and contemporary … that best sums up Christi and Bryan Braswell's style. Their kitchen exemplifies this with the refrigerator, coffee machine and storage compartments neatly camouflaged and the lack of upper cabinets. A quartz slab backsplash matches the counters, and one small built-in planter holds Christi's fresh flowers or succulents. "I love for everything to have a clean, uncluttered space," Christi says.
Living in their home for a mere six months, the couple has already hosted several parties. "We love to entertain guests and family. Our favorite part of the kitchen is the butler's kitchen, which allows for easy entertaining and catering and keeps the front kitchen nice and tidy," Christi says.
As the owner of Braswell Custom Homes, Bryan is no stranger to quality finish-outs. It's the attention to detail, such as the waterfall counter edges on the island, self-closing drawers, a countertop air switch disposal button and hidden outlets, that makes the Braswell kitchen so special.
The couple has two children in their early 20s, Madison and Caleb, and a 5-year-old son, Roman. Christi spends much of her time volunteering at their youngest son's school, as well as serving on charitable committees including a Wish with Wings. She says, "This charity is especially close to our hearts. We love supporting charities that help children and families within our community."
Want to see more of the Braswell's home? Purchase a copy of the fall issue of Fort Worth HOME.
Camille and Hal Brown
8900 Estribo Circle Now, this kitchen you already know. It's the show-stopping modern kitchen featured on page 61 in the Dream Home. Read the story for information on every detail in the open-concept space. And see the kitchen for yourself during the 2017 Kitchens Tour.
Worthy Cause
A 501(c)3 organization founded in 1982, a Wish with Wings was Texas" first wish-granting agency. For more than 34 years, it has granted more than 1,400 wishes to Texas children fighting life-threatening medical conditions. For more information on how you can help, visit awishwithwings.org.
2017 Kitchens Tour
Benefiting a Wish with Wings
Saturday, Oct. 14
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
La Cantera at Team Ranch
Pre-Sale Tickets: $30
Tickets at the Door: $35
