By Lisa Morgan
Jan Boydstun’s Kitchen Kitchen in Indian Wells is the result of a family business that has spanned three generations starting with Jan’s grandfather’s family business in Missouri known as Carter’s Grocery. “There was no finer man” touts a candy clerk who worked with him in that store. That family tradition of integrity and personal care was beautifully recreated through his children, Phil and Char Carter when they opened Kitchen Kitchen here in the desert 33 years ago. Jan continues to convey those fine ethics and warmth, gracefully and eloquently, not just in word, but also in deed.
As if running a successful retail business wasn’t time consuming enough, Jan is also active in helping non-profit groups through sponsoring fundraising, providing demonstrations for the Stroke Activity Center and teaching, “Cooking without Looking” for the Braille institute using kitchen tools that assist those functionally challenged. She has been hired by Holland America and AMA Waterways as a guest chef and presenter. Jan’s presentations are also in high demand locally as she has become well known throughout the valley as, “The Gadget Gal” often appearing on television’s KMIR 6 demonstrating the latest and greatest in kitchen gadgetry. She also has a 30 minute show every Friday at 7:30 pm on KRET, channel 14. The list of local and national appearances in television and print media goes on and on, but according to Jan, her favorite two hours of her work week are spent hosting the radio show “Jan’s Kitchen” with the renowned Chef Jackie Olden on KNEWS 94.3 FM, a show that is full of information and laughs revealing a very special and obvious camaraderie between the two personalities. Somewhere amidst all of this, Jan maintains an impeccable business reputation, takes care of a loyal, knowledgeable and personable staff and is a happy, obviously still in love, wife of 20 years with three thriving sons upon whom she truly rests the bulk of her devotion and pride. Jan emulates a woman who does it all and does it with a smile and cheerful banter, leaving no wonder as to why her business has been voted best in the valley several years running and why she was the recipient of the National Athena Award for Professional Excellence for Indian Wells.
With their huge inventory and charm, it is extremely likely that you will find much that your kitchen cannot live without; things you probably never even knew you needed. And if you can’t find something within the walls of Kitchen Kitchen for your cooking and serving needs, then chances are, you really never needed it anyway. And with their gift certificates, one of a kind gift baskets and designer gift wrapping, shopping for the holidays is going to be a cinch.
Kitchen Kitchen actually has a full working kitchen. Designed to make you feel as though you were walking into the culinary center piece of a friend’s home, this commercially efficient kitchen plays host to fantastic, private cooking parties and fundraisers presented by Chef Russ Olden, a magnetic personality with excellent culinary prowess and an entertaining personality uniquely his own. The beautiful custom mural, hand painted and cut from the original store, is the center piece of this remarkable kitchen, lending to fabulous conversations about the founders of this business, who have since passed, and explains without words, why the walls of this business feel so warm.
Kitchen Kitchen will be celebrating this 3rd generation business’ 33rd year November 3rd, from 10am to 4pm. Every hour, different well known chefs from around the valley will demonstrate their skills with cooking demonstrations and tastings. There will be product demonstrations, raffle prizes and giveaways, and very special sale items and gifts with purchase. I personally have my eye on a salt and pepper grinder that is promised to be on sale at an incredibly discounted price. Come enjoy the food, fun and entertainment and see for yourself why Kitchen Kitchen has succeeded for over three decades. As you do, take a moment to breathe in the charming atmosphere and amazing aromas. Perhaps you too will feel the extra warm feeling and presence of the original owners and proud parents as they watch and smile over the family legacy of hard work, love and honor being so delightfully preserved and carried on by their lovely daughter.
Kitchen Kitchen is located at 74-945 Highway 111 in Indian Wells. You can also visit them at www.kitchenkitchen.com or call (760) 773-9464.
GADGET OF THE WEEK: The 6’ Cheese Knife. Kitchen Kitchen offers knife sharpening every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. If you purchase the 6” Cheese Knife, chances are you won’t need it; this amazing knife does everything with perfection and stays sharp. It has one flat side and one serrated side and 3 holes in the middle of the knife. Jan explains how the holes prevent the drag when cutting soft cheeses. It will also cut paper thin slices of: tomatoes, onions, meats and citrus. It slices breads and angel food cake without mashing them down. This knife has become the favorite kitchen accessory of the Publisher of CV Weekly. You can’t beat the price at only $24.95 and with a $5 off coupon found in each CV Weekly, this item is a steal!
