Loaves & Fishes Cookshop's Owner Sybille van Kempen & Culinary Director Gerard Molloy with Jennifer Schmitt and Kerriann Gambino You are cordially invited to join the Garden City Unit of the American Cancer Society for our "Heart of the Home" Kitchen Tour, which will be held on Wednesday, June 6st from 10:00 am until 2:00pm. This eagerly anticipated event takes place just once every other year, and allows you to tour some of the most spectacular kitchens and great rooms you could imagine. Please begin this special day by joining us for breakfast at the Garden City Country Club between 9:00 am and 11:00 am.

There are five exceptional kitchens on tour this year. In one huge kitchen you will find the perfect marriage of elegant entertaining space with family friendly living space. Joy Kohart of JK Designs and Kitchens by Deane worked with the homeowner's own designs to create a dining room, great room, and family office that flow with the magnificent kitchen. The kitchen's mahogany island with a green granite countertop matches the mahogany in the fireplace and wet bar in the great room, and is completed by a magnificent iron "alter of candles" chandelier.

A second home is a stately Tudor on the outside with the feel of a bright center-hall colonial inside. This beautiful kitchen and adjoining mudroom were tastefully completed by Walter Preston Home Improvements. The focal point of the kitchen is the sixty-inch center hood over the six-burner Viking double oven. The hand painted tile backsplash is very special, and complements the Chilean ceramic pieces displayed throughout the kitchen. The marvelously decorated kitchen, wet bar area and office areas were done with the help of Susan Sadlier of Sadlier-McGlynn Designs.

A third home boasts the charm and character of a 1926 house that has been outfitted with all the modern conveniences and amenities. Vinny Muldoon of Old World Quality Corp and designers Joy and Liz Kohart of JK Designs worked with the homeowners with outstanding results. Beautiful hand painting by Lauren Chisholm and the homeowners' Uncle adorns the walls, and a stained glass window original to the house is believed to represent King George slaying a dragon. The original kitchen was renovated to include a butler's pantry, dining area and home office, and an extensive addition houses the very special kitchen, family room and mudroom area.

A fourth home was newly constructed and completed in August 2005 by Konner development. The home boasts a two-story foyer complemented by a curved staircase, from which you can appreciate the coffered ceiling in the spacious dining room. The powder room and hallway feature hand painting by artist Connie Gallo. The kitchen features custom butter cream cabinetry topped by an elaborate molding system all the way to the ceiling. The island is finished with a custom blended cherry stain and is complete with prep sink and seating. The homeowners' family room, pantry, butler's pantry with a bar sink and mini refrigerator and glass cabinets, and mudroom complete this splendid living area.

At the final home on tour, please join us for lemonade and cookies. There could not be a more spectacular setting to bring back an old tradition of the American Cancer Society's kitchen tour. The beauty of the property is striking, complete with magnificently landscaped English gardens designed by landscape architect Michael Chrobet. Each room in the back of the house leads to this beautiful garden. The hand painted family room extension was created with a vaulted cathedral ceiling and glass doors leading to the bluestone and brick patio with covered pergola. The kitchen includes white washed maple cabinets, a large double sink with a beautiful double window, a sitting area and a serene charm.

After the tour, please continue the culinary fun by visiting The Viking School at Loaves and Fishes Cookshop at 835 Franklin Avenue. This unique venue houses a state-of-the-art cooking school, theater style demonstration kitchen and retail store. Treat yourself to cooking demonstrations and food tastings in their multi-level theater and a one-day 10% discount on merchandise (excluding major appliances) and classes.

Tickets to the tour and breakfast cost $60 each ($40 for tickets to the tour only), and all are welcome. The Garden City Country Club breakfast must be reserved in advance; tickets to the kitchen tour can be paid on the day of the tour. Copies of the invitations and maps will be available at the Garden City Country Club and at all the homes. Door prize tickets can be purchased for $5 each, 6 for $20. Grand door prize tickets to win a beautiful sterling silver bracelet and earrings from Tiffany & Co. of Manhasset can be purchased for $25 each. Checks may be made payable to the American Cancer Society - Garden City Unit and sent c/o Mrs. Kathleen Sweeney at 130 Euston Road, Garden City, NY 11530. Any questions please call Chrissy McManus at 873-9523, or Kathleen Sweeney at 747-2805. We look forward to seeing you there.