Several years back, we dropped in on culinary icon Alice Waters in Berkeley to take a tour of her kitchen. The occasion? Alice’s daughter, Fanny Singer, had just launched Permanent Collection—a new line of home objects and women’s clothing and accessories—so we asked Alice and Fanny to model pieces from the collection and show us around Alice’s kitchen. The result was one of our favorite kitchen stories of all time.
Join us for a look back.
Photography by Daniel Dent for Remodelista.
The Original Egg Spoon and Original Copper Egg Spoon are both available from Permanent Collection—and you can read much more about it in The Legendary Egg Spoon of Alice Waters and Fanny Singer.
On Fanny’s wrist: the Blunk Bangle from Permanent Collection, a limited-edition replica of a 1965 design by J. B. Blunk (sadly not currently available).
Alice says the mortar is “indispensable”—it’s scored on the bottom to make quick work of garlic for vinaigrettes: She mashes the garlic with salt, adds vinegar, and lets it rest before adding olive oil. The wooden pestle was made for her by Bob Cannard, longtime farmer for Chez Panisse.
N.B.: This is a story from the Remodelista archives; the original post ran in December 2016 and has been updated with new information, links, and image captions.
Frequently asked questions
Who is featured in the kitchen tour article?
Alice Waters and Fanny Singer.
What is Alice Waters known for?
Alice Waters is known for being a chef, author, and food activist. She is the founder of the restaurant Chez Panisse and the Edible Schoolyard Project.
What is the focus of the kitchen tour article?
The focus is on the kitchen of Alice Waters and Fanny Singer, which is a reflection of their commitment to cooking with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.
What is unique about the kitchen tour article?
The article provides an in-depth look at the design and layout of the kitchen, as well as the philosophy behind the way Alice and Fanny cook and eat.
What are some features of the kitchen in the article?
The kitchen features custom cabinets made from salvaged wood, a large sink for washing produce, and a professional-grade stove. There is also a pantry stocked with homemade preserves and dried goods.
How does Alice Waters approach cooking?
Alice Waters approaches cooking with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients that are grown sustainably and sourced locally. She values simplicity and flavor over complexity and presentation.
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