Cooking in the rain

Cooking outdoors in bright sunshine is the collective imagination and what seems most logical. If it rains for a couple of days, we change our plans. If it does so for a couple of weeks, too. But when the rainy days become consecutive and it seems that they will never end, we start to question the laws of the established and we become resolute: finding strategies to recover our enjoyment is something that all of us mortals are good at.

The sunny days will return sooner rather than later, and from Novara we are sure that this season of incessant rains will be, in fact, very profitable: we will get from it a great wealth. The first is obvious and has to do with the health and exuberance of gardens or plants. The second, less obvious, refers to the discovery of a new form of outdoor enjoyment, which requires preparation and learning, but is completely attainable.

As far as learning is concerned, we can’t intervene too much, just advise you that, if you keep your senses alert (all of you), you will discover that cooking outdoors on a rainy day has a lot of nuances that spice up life and that we will tell you about at the end.

As far as preparation is concerned, we’ve got it covered: our kitchens are designed to withstand the worst of the weather. You will simply have to consider installing a waterproof cover or pergola, if you do not already have one, because the sun also requires protection. The most advisable are those retractable, which adapt to the needs of each moment. In addition, the minimalist and elegant design of these protections brings a touch of sophistication to the whole.

Having clarified this, let’s explain what makes our kitchens so resistant and what is involved in both materials and design.

• Water-resistant materials: beauty and durability. When it comes to dealing with moisture, materials make all the difference. At Novara, we rely on stainless steel, natural stone and Q-XTREM® technology, developed to provide heavy-duty surfaces that remain flawless even in extreme conditions. These materials are not only easy to maintain, but also ensure a longevity that makes every kitchen an investment.
• Drainage and space distribution. Smart design looks at water from all angles. The distribution of the space and a good drainage system are fundamental to avoid water stagnation and to keep the work area easily dry and functional. All this is contemplated from the initial sketch conception of each of our outdoor kitchens to ensure comfort and safety.
• Lighting and safety on gray days. On gray days, strategically placed lighting is crucial to highlight volumes, facilitate work and maintain a cozy atmosphere.

At Novara, lighting systems combine functionality and aesthetics to adapt to all weather conditions. The N3 system incorporates a rim with perimeter lighting that not only improves visibility, but also adds a sophisticated touch to the ensemble. For its part, the Pura model stands out for its careful lighting both in the countertop and in the lower tray, enhancing every detail and ensuring that the space maintains its elegance even in low light conditions. These solutions not only avoid annoying reflections, but also ensure comfortable and safe use.

As we told you before, we are going to close this article by encouraging you to enliven your senses and give you hints on how to enjoy a day of outdoor cooking in the rain, which, as we have already seen, will not be an obstacle and can even be an incentive. First, there is the sound of water and an ambient calm that is difficult to find on a sunny day, allowing you to experience the act of cooking from a place of greater presence. Then, there are the aromas of humidity, which, although subtle, have a perceptible influence on our sensory experience. And finally, we find a play of dim lights and reflections that the midday sunlight, so monolithic, completely wastes. And there is much more, but we are on such subjective grounds that we hope you will discover them for yourselves, without further intervention.

We hope we have convinced you to open yourselves to this experience whenever the opportunity arises, just as we do. Novara was born from the idea of communion between cuisine and natural environment; and in it, rain is life.