It’s well known that Muskoka has something for everyone. For some it’s watersports, for some it’s riding the trails, for some it’s lounging lakeside. And for a vibrant and growing group of individuals, Muskoka presents the perfect environs in which to hone their interest in outdoor food preparation and entertaining.
Peter Briese is one such individual. A fifth-generation Muskokan, Peter is the owner-operator of Muskoka BBQ & Outdoor Kitchen Centre, the region’s pre-eminent provider of high-quality outdoor kitchens, including everything from premium appliances to cabinetry, furniture, grills, fire features and heaters, and more. Peter’s passion for outdoor cooking, fine-tuned through a years-long journey from novice to virtuoso, is palpable in everything he does.
The dedication of Peter and his staff to the craft of outdoor cooking isn’t just about business; it’s also about helping to expand the skills and opportunities of everyone who nurtures a passion for outdoor culinary experiences. To that end, Peter and his team take a two-step approach to every project. First, they work with clients to establish a wish list of desired features. For this, Muskoka BBQ & Outdoor Kitchen Centre has both a showroom in the heart of Port Carling and a by-appointment design centre outside of town which showcase a wide range of styles and appliances.
“The wish list is a starting point,” explains Peter, “because it helps our clients zero in on what is important to them, and it tells us what the ultimate objectives of the client are, whether that’s a focus on entertaining, extending the time outdoors, or really developing a skill set for outdoor cooking.” With the wish list in hand, the professionals at Muskoka BBQ & Outdoor Kitchen Centre take a look at the physical space available and discuss design options with their client. Once drawings are approved, Peter works with the builder or landscaper as needed to ensure that the space is properly prepared to execute the design.
Left: Hestan sets itself apart with extremely customizable aesthetics. With 12 vibrant, contemporary colour options available, Hestan is sure to have a grill that matches your taste. Right: This Kalamazoo Built-In Hybrid Fire Grill includes all the power of precision heat control plus storage space for dishes and accessories.
The second important step is everything that happens after the outdoor kitchen is installed. Typically, Peter or a member of his team will make a visit to the client’s property for the purpose of walking them through the range of functions and features of their new equipment, even grilling up a meal together to demonstrate. “One of our favourite parts of our work,” says Peter, “is helping our clients understand the different ways that they can utilize their new equipment and then hearing back from them about how they’ve taken that information and knowledge and really run with it.” After the initial setup, Peter and his team are always available to any client looking to get the utmost functionality out of their equipment.
“We’re local, we answer our phones, and we want to help,” says Peter. “This is what we do, and we’re passionate about it.”
As part of their outreach, Muskoka BBQ and Outdoor Kitchen Centre holds demonstrations throughout Muskoka during the summer, where folks can not only see the versatility and range of appliances available to them for outdoor cooking and entertaining, but where they can sample the elevated food samples as well.
Alfa pizza ovens, available in propane, wood-burning, and hybrid models, create a convivial atmosphere to enjoy excellent pizzas in the company of friends and family.
Muskoka BBQ and Outdoor Kitchen Centre works only with industry leaders in the field of outdoor appliances for one very good reason: quality matters. “We have the same interest as the client,” says Peter, “which is to build a highly functional, versatile kitchen that will last.” Top-quality ovens, for example, offer tangible benefits when compared to lower-tier models, including thermal efficiency, better fuel consumption, and the ability to reach high temperatures faster. And with advanced cooling technology, high-quality refrigerators can swiftly chill your food and beverages, ensuring they’re ready to enjoy when your guests arrive, and saving you trips to and from the cottage.
Like any business, Muskoka BBQ and Outdoor Kitchen Centre’s greatest asset is its reputation in the community where they live and work. They take pride in the fact that some of their seasonal Muskoka clients have re-engaged their services to install outdoor kitchens at their homes in the city, and that they often field calls from past customers looking for advice, recipes, and recommendations on how to up their culinary game. “It’s really nice for us when clients recognize the experience we’ve gained after years of doing this,” says Peter. “We don’t try to be everything to everybody, but we are experts at grilling, and we’re proud of that.”
