We’ve all been there, caught in a tug-of-war between the kitchen and our guests outdoors. You long to follow the chorus of laughter coming from your patio, but the menu, still unprepped, keeps you away from enjoying your guests.
You could look for shortcuts to get you back to your guests quickly, but Peter Briese, owner of Muskoka BBQ & Outdoor Kitchen Centre has a better solution that doesn’t sacrifice time or flavour.
“Investing in an outdoor kitchen system allows you to cook outdoors with your family and friends and make the most of summer at the cottage,” says Peter.
Think beyond the barbeque
An outdoor kitchen goes well beyond the standard barbeque unit, with smokers, pizza ovens, charcoal grills and more. The options are endless.
Peter has worked with countless cottagers over the years, creating outdoor kitchens that exceed expectations, with products that are beautiful, practical, and strong enough to stand up to Muskoka’s harshest weather conditions. Designed by Peter himself, each kitchen is customized to fit the needs of each customer.
“You can go as simple as seven-foot layouts or larger designs with multiple appliances set up with any configuration. The options are limitless.”
Recently, Peter designed and installed a Crown Verity Infinite modular system at a cottage featuring a 42-inch grill, double side burner, 24-inch griddle, sink, refrigerator, and trash pull-out, and topped it off with ample storage. The kitchen also features a Big Green Egg and a wood burning oven, as additional appliances.
“It’s perfect for a family that loves to cook together with their friends while enjoying the view,” says Peter.
Customize with Crown Verity
Crown Verity is a Canadian brand offering commercial-grade outdoor kitchen appliances, including grills, side burners, fridges, and rotisseries. With a strong history in commercial cooking, Crown Verity’s residential line offers the same level of precision and durability required for high frequency restaurant-quality cooking.
Crown Verity’s modular units can be laid out to fit any patio design – whether straight, L-shaped, or wrapped around in a U-shape – and can be powered by propane or natural gas.
Design your dream
Before you select a kitchen design, Peter suggests visiting their outdoor kitchen design centre in Port Carling to see the model kitchens on display. Muskoka BBQ & Outdoor Kitchen Centre’s design centre is located at 3855 Muskoka Road Highway 118 West and is open by appointment only, allowing clients an exclusive look at a variety of construction options.
“Each of the kitchens has been built in different ways, using a variety of the brands we carry,” says Peter.
Like Crown Verity, all of Muskoka BBQ & Outdoor Kitchen Centre’s products are designed with high-quality materials, offering the highest residential cooking solutions for outdoor grilling, smoking, and entertaining.
“They’re built to last, cook evenly every time, and are definitely worth the investment.,” says Peter.
Each of these brands can also be seen, touched, and explored at their location at 16 Bruce Wilson Drive, by the Foodland in Port Carling, which is open daily.
Special delivery
Peter knows that getting products to the cottage can be half the battle, which is why his team takes care of both the delivery and assembly.
“We deliver everywhere, including to island locations and over rough terrain,” says Peter. “You don’t have to worry about a thing.”
Cook with confidence
As a self-described outdoor cooking enthusiast, Peter loves to help his clients get the most out of their new kitchens.
“I did a site install this morning and am going back this afternoon for a cooking demo,” he says. Demos like this one include showing his clients how to use each appliance, and then putting it to good use, cooking up delicious food together.
“Today, we’re going to operate the grill, make pizza in the wood-burning pizza oven, then cook a steak in the wood-burning oven,” says Peter.
“I love walking our clients through their first cook with a new barbeque, smoker or pizza oven,” says Peter. “I really want you to love outdoor cooking as much as I do.
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE | PHOTOS SCOTT TURNBULL