The End- Last Post

We could keep this going forever, but all good things must end.  There are a few very small odds and ends for the contractor to finish up, but for the most part, our remodel is complete.  This will be my last post on this blog. The end result is beyond my wildest expectations and imagination.  Every time I walk into the kitchen, I am amazed by how beautiful the space is.  I feel like I'm living in a showroom!  We still have tons of boxes to move and unpack.  I've been surprised at how much I use both of the ovens- in the old kitchen, I think I compromised on temperature with multiple items more than I realized.  The simmer burners on the new cooktop are simply amazing- there is more gas coming in, but the Dacor burners control the temperature so much better than the JenAir.   The counter space is perfect, even though I keep thinking the fridge is in the old space!!!

We toasted the end with a sparkling wine from Domaine Ste. Michelle. 

We pondered our final dinner for the last post for over a month.  In the end, we chose crab and brie stuffed halibut with a white wine buerre blanc sauce from my Jake's cookbook paired with  Lange Reserve Pinot Gris.  I've made this recipe many times over the years, but it was fabulous tonight- I credit the Dacor. 

My reflection over the last 13 weeks... there is an "industry standard" for everything.  Know what that is, and if you are going outside the standard, make sure what you want is what you get.  Make sure you don't cause any delays.  Pick the right contractor.  All things being equal, pick someone that you would imagine being friends with.  You will spend lots of time with them, they'll be in your home for weeks.  Picture yourself seeing them every morning.  If there are problems, who do you want to deal with?  If you like them, chances are, you'll like their subs too.  Did our project go perfectly- you already know not so much.  We've never regretted our choice in contractor.  Mike Holmes- do it right, meet Steve Heiteen Portland Remodel- do it right.  We've already asked him to help us with another project.  No regrets.