Junior League of Gainesville Tour of Kitchens
FOR THE THIRD TIME, Gainesville residents can get a taste of what it’s like to cook – and eat – in some local gourmet kitchens.
On Feb. 24, the Junior League of Gainesville is hosting its annual Tour of Kitchens, an event that permits visitors to stroll through some of the area’s most exquisite kitchens while sampling delicacies in each home.
This year’s tour, which lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., showcases approximately 9 houses, including the University of Florida’s President’s mansion. The homes range from historic properties to modern structures and all feature upscale kitchens.
“It really does have something for everyone if you’re out to look at kitchens – maybe what builders might be doing, what to expect if you’re remodeling and what other folks have gone out and done on their own,” said Summer LoDuca, who is co-chair of the event with Kim Bosshardt.
Each house in the tour features a different cooking demonstration for participants to observe and enjoy, such as wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres and cookies. Upper Crust and local restaurants will also provide samples of menu items.
A few Gainesville “celebrities” will even star as chefs for the tour. Paige Beck of WCJB TV20, Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell, Chris Doering and 98.5 KTK radio’s Storm Roberts will be stationed at different houses, cooking up some of their favorite recipes to share with participants.
The cooking demonstrations will be performed at scheduled intervals, and tour goers can stroll from house to house at their leisure.
“You can basically plan on having lunch throughout the day while on tour,” LoDuca said.
The Junior League of Gainesville, which is dedicated to supporting women and children, coordinates the Tour of Kitchens to raise money for nonprofit organizations such as the Family Visitation Center and Children’s Home Society. Proceeds from this year’s tour will benefit underprivileged children in the community.
“The Junior League of Gainesville is committed to many different charitable endeavors in and around Alachua County that we participate in or give money to, all with the focus of giving back to our community,” LoDuca said.
LoDuca said the annual tour draws roughly 400 participants and raises between $25,000 and $30,000. Last year’s tour’s profits totaled around $27,000, but LoDuca said this year’s goal is to earn $35,000.
“Now that we’re in our third year, people are really recognizing the Tour of Kitchens and coming to expect it well in advance,” she said. “It’s the community support that we’re seeing and the community awareness of it and what it means to the Junior League and what it means to the community.”
“It’s just going to be a really fun day, and (tour goers) can feel good about the fact that what they’re participating in is absolutely going to positively impact women and children in the Alachua County area.” G