BY SUZANNE CHESSLER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGIE BAAN

arrangement makes entertaining much
ooking hobbyist Zach
easier," Ron says.
Lipson has a favorite
The Lipsons' outdoor cooking
ingredient that he's fond of
arrangement
is configured just like
adding to as many recipes as possible.
a traditional kitchen, with Mankato
Zach, 21, a business major at Michigan
limestone from Minnesota forming a
State University, enjoys preparing
square shape with an open entry the
tempting feasts for friends and brother,
width
of a door, while plenty of coun-
Ross, 19, outdoors for the special flavor
ter space houses cupboards underneath.
infused by the fresh air.
Granite counters and a stainless Blanco
But his is no ordinary fire pit.
sink and TEC grill were all chosen
Instead, at the family home overlook-
specifically to withstand the harsh
ing Cass Lake, he calls upon major
Michigan winters.
conveniences in an outdoor kitchen.
Because his indoor refrigerator is so
"It's just nice to be outside and have
close
by and easily accessible through
everything at hand for steaks, burgers
the
home
kitchen's doorwall, Ron did
— even a stir-fry," Zach says. "I don't
not install one outdoors. But the deci-
have to leave my friends while I'm
sion did add more reason to make the
cooking."
design transition easily from indoors
The outdoor kitchen was the idea
to outdoors. Consistent use of stain-
of his dad, Ron Lipson, who also likes
less steel, ample glass built into the
to play chef-host for groups of friends
home — like glass-enclosed cupboards
and family. Together with Bloomfield
backed
by windows instead of walls
Hills architectural firm DesRosiers,
—
and
the
same granite and limestone
Ron came up with the design that
includes a gas grill, cooktop surface and used indoors and out helped ease the
transition.
sink. "Even though we are just a few
"Outdoor kitchens are all about
steps away from our main kitchen, this
people," explains Steve Brown, owner
of American Fireplace & Barbeque
Distributors in Ferndale, where all the
equipment was purchased.
When designing residential alfres-
co kitchens, which, fully equipped
with high-end gear, can range from
$20,000 $50,000, Brown says, "Looks
can be just as important as function,

-

Continued on page 22

Opposite: On chilly evenings, an outdoor

fireplace warms guests on the stone-tiled

terrace overlooking Cass Lake. This page,

left and below: Stainless steel and granite

were chosen for the cooking enclave to

withstand Michigan weather. The TEC grill's

infrared technology keeps food moist and

tender while infusing an outdoor-grill taste.

K

i

C A
"Advancements in technology are making outdoor kitchens more popular,
and new designs are adding to the ambience," says Andy Sallan, owner

of Millennium Cabinetry in Bloomfield Hills.

Sallan finds a number of advantages to outdoor kitchens — from

avoiding cooking odors in the home to keeping floors clean as guests

move from swimming to snacking.
To keep the kitchen in tip-top shape, Sallan counsels clients to secure

barbecues and other equipment with bolts, then cover them with tarp

during the seasons they're not in use. And before the first frost, faucets

should have the water turned off and be covered with foam wrap.

JNPLATINUM • JULY 20 ‘b. 6 •

21

