On September 23, as part of Design Chicago at The MART, aspire teamed up with SKS for a lively, audience-driven look at how people entertain at home and how designers can craft kitchens equipped for modern hosting rituals.
Hosted by the aspire team in the award-winning SKS showroom, designed by renowned architect Piero Lissoni, the afternoon was part conversation, part tasting menu. Unlike traditional panels, the session turned the audience into panelists, inviting attendees to share real hosting stories with SKS Executive Chef Nick Ritchie. Chef Nick shared tips for gathering with ease and letting technology-forward appliances do the heavy lifting.
Guests were welcomed with sparkling wine and a vibrant Sous Vide Cucumber-Mint Vodka Gimlet to kick off happy hour in style. Chef Nick showed how far sous vide can go beyond the expected, from infusing cucumber vodka for batches of craft cocktails to perfectly tender prime beef skewers. Steamed dumplings, made with SKS steam cooking, were a first-bite favorite, and speed oven truffled potatoes proved that beautiful food doesn’t need to take all day.
As guests sampled each dish, one takeaway stood out: the right appliances make hosting feel less like work and help turn gatherings into memorable experiences. When those special occasions wind down, PowerSteam dishwashing technology makes cleaning easier, giving hosts more time to enjoy every moment with their guests.
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