Although it’s not uncommon for me to find myself salivating over a hot oven, this time it was the oven itself, not the food that made me drool with envy. The other night I spent a glorious evening at a friend’s party, which showcased a $7.9 million property for one of her clients. The home was a gorgeous masterpiece with 300-year old refurbished European wood floors, stunning panoramic lake views, heated floors (indoors and out), and exquisite furnishings. But what dazzled me the most, of course, was the $37,000 AGA stove.
Not to downplay the state-of-the-art media centre, the luxurious master bedroom or the beautiful, heartfelt melodies performed live by Ryan Donn at sunset overlooking the lake, but this beautiful British behemoth was definitely the hottest attraction for me, with its shiny red curves beckoning to be panhandled.
As I was previously unaware of the AGA, the home’s designer and builder graciously introduced me to the warming charms of this multi-tasking cookery masterpiece.
For one thing, the AGA, which stays on 24/7, is always raring and ready to go. And it has four compartments set at different radiant heats for slow-cooking food in its own juices.
Although we were treated to hors d’oeuvres instead of roast potatoes and rack of lamb, just the thought of something good roasting in one of those compartments had me counting sheep all night long.
The next day I told one of my sisters about the amazing AGA. Turns out she’s also gaga for AGA, as she excitedly blurted out her own AGA memories from decades gone by. While visiting her friend’s aunt in York back in the ‘70s, she was treated to the best roast beef dinner ever, with crispy roast potatoes and traditional Yorkshire pudding. She said the AGA even made Brussels sprouts taste good.
All this fawning over the AGA made me feel a little guilty as I stared at my black flat top Whirlpool oven. Then I thought, hey, she goes from 0 to 350 in 8 minutes flat. Her timer offers a caring little chirp to remind me that the chicken strips are ready, or that I should stop napping and go pick up my kids from school. And while the dual burner may be a bit slow, it’s well worth waiting for.
