The Tour of Kitchens

Back for its 16th year, the Coral Gables Community Foundation’s annual Tour of Kitchens & Tropical Living featured 13 stops this year, from Cocoplum to Gables Estates to the Riviera Golf Course and back. Brave homeowners opened their doors to a crowd of some 1,000 people, who swarmed into ooh and aah over Sub-Zero appliances and marble countertops. This year, attendees had the options of driving themselves, riding in style in Mercedes Sprinter vans, or joining a Bike Walk Gables cycling tour. At each home, bites were served from local restaurants and purveyors including Terre del Sapore, Sanguich, Erba, Doc Bs, Benihana, Zucca, Clementine’s Wine Gourmet, Americana Kitchen, and Vinya Table. Proceeds from the tour benefitted Coral Gables High Schools Culinary Arts Program and the Foun-dation, which has distributed over $22 million in grants, scholarships, and community initiatives since its found-ing. Here are some of our favorites from the tour.

Diaz Residence at Matanzas Avenue

Prellezo Residence at Segovia Street

Lawhorn Residence at Mercado Avenue

Shaughnessy Residence at N. Greenway Drive

In an example of architectural preservation meets modern luxury, this 1925 Coral Gables home, originally designed by Phineas Paist, features a kitchen that exemplifies how historic homes can be updated for contemporary living while maintaining their architectural integrity. Custom Pigeon Blue cabinetry by MiaCucina creates a sophisticated backdrop against extraordinary White Bush terrazzo. The stone extends beyond the countertops to create waterfall edges on the islands and a seamless backsplash. A Wolf five-burner gas cooktop and clever slide-out concealed exhaust hood offer professional-grade cooking capabilities, alongside an Asko dishwasher, a Sub-Zero under-counter wine cooler, and a deep bowl stainless steel sink. A show-stopping orb-shaped pendant called “the Perch Light” from Moooi adds an ethereal element.

Leyva Residence at Casuarina Concourse

This stunning modern residence in Gables Estates showcases two kitchen spaces. The main indoor kitchen, designed by Cueto Interiors, features a striking contrast of crisp white Shaker-style custom cabinetry and dramatic black accents. A row of woven rattan barstools provides comfortable seating while the lighting scheme includes three pendant fixtures with clear glass cylinders for warm ambient light. Two fully integrated Miele dishwashers flank the island’s deep Julien sink and under-cabinet lighting illuminates the workspace while adding depth to the design.

Battier Residence at Santa Maria Street

Known as the “Charleston House” this is one of five original Coral Gables Pioneer Village homes designed by John and Coulton Skinner in 1925. Known as the “Charleston House” this is one of five original Coral Gables Pioneer Village homes designed by John and Coulton Skinner in 1925. The gourmet eat-in kitchen is anchored by a center island topped with quartz and white custom floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that enhances the home’s classical aesthetic. At the heart of the kitchen, a Wolf gas range commands attention with its four burners, grill, and griddle, topped by a luxury independent exhaust hood that combines powerful functionality with elegant design. The kitchen’s refrigerator system reflects careful consideration of modern family needs, featuring a Sub-Zero refrigerator-freezer with two dedicated freezer drawers and two refrigerator drawers. The butler’s pantry elevates entertaining capabilities with its thoughtful ame-nities, including two Sub-Zero wine coolers and a Scotsman icemaker.

Joy & Kovacs Residence at Orduna Drive

Nestled on the Coral Gables waterway, this stunning kitchen renovation was expertly executed by locally-based Madison Construction Group. The culinary cornerstone of the kitchen is a magnificent seven-burn-er Lacanche gas range, its matte black finish adored with brass and stainless steel accents that speak to the space’s refined aesthetic. A custom Marmorino plaster enclosure cleverly integrates the exhaust hood, maintaining the kitchen’s clean lines while adding textural interest. The backsplash features the same stunning Calacatta Monet mar-ble as the island, creating a cohesive visual flow throughout the open space. Custom glass-fronted cabinets provide elegant display space while maintaining the kitchen’s airy feel.