Tell Us: What Should Our First Meal in a New Kitchen Be?

We're moving into this kitchen tomorrow. Well, the apartment that holds this kitchen. And right after we make our bed, we'll start unpacking our pots, pans, and plates.

It's been a long, hard, slog of a move -- one that makes us think we'll want to answer the above question by crying, "Takeout!" But it's our new home, with a new kitchen, and we'd like to christen it with a memorable meal...

People talk a lot about what their last meal on Earth would be. Or maybe if they had to eat one meal for the rest of their lives... But the first meal -- in a new home, with a new spouse, in a new city -- can be just as important a memory.

Plus, we have a big, beautiful fridge! And counter space!

Right now, we're leaning towards something Italian. Simple (we're tired), seasonal, but indulgent in a way that eating half a pound of pasta can feel. Or perhaps a standby like pork tenderloin, which we make so often. It'll create continuity between our last home and this one.

We'd love your ideas, Kitchn community. What says home to you? What should we cook?

(Image: Elizabeth Passarella)

Comments (13)

Sharp kitchen!

I'd suggest a bottle of champagne, caviar, antipasto and stuff like that for your first meal.

Homemade pizza!! Buy the dough, add the toppings.

Also, can I ask about your cabinets? Are they IKEA, and if so, how much did they cost (materials and installation)? They are really pretty!

Is that a full-size range? It kind of looks like the smaller range I have in my kitchen, but it's hard to tell from the angle.

funny, as i read your post, i thought italian too! i guess because it's so comforting and smells great. my favorite homey smell is onions and garlic simmering in olive oil. mmmm. add some ground meat, sauce and pasta and voila!

congrats and enjoy your lovely kitchen! oo and have fun with the F&P dishwashers. they're so convenient. i love mine!

Susmita- Unfortunately, we didn't get to design this kitchen. It was built before we bought the apartment, so I'm not sure about the cabinets... sorry! I assume they are stock cabinets, though (and likely not pricey).
cgretton- yes, it is a full-size range. Maybe the angle of the photo makes it look smaller?

Pasta sounds grand to me! It's the ultimate in easy comfort food in my mind. A nice pot of red sauce, a crusty loaf of bread and a bright salad. Yum.

Rats. Now I'm going to be daydreaming of fresh tomatos tossed with salt and olive oil and dumped over pasta all day. It's my standby summer dinner and it's ALMOST here...

My first dish in one apartment was a pasta with cream sauce, salmon, and dill from the Silver Palate cookbook. We sat on the floor to eat it, and it was perfect. Not so healthy, but warm, and filling, and comforting.

nothing that uses the oven or requires precise heat.

so i'd say no to the tenderloin and definitely no to a pizza. it takes a while to get used to how a new-to-you oven works and you don't want to have to fuss too much after a hearty day of unpacking.

i vote for something that you're super comfortable making on the stove top. italian would be great.

then a super easy and quick dessert from the cook by feel post! like poached pears.

What a wonderful kitchen! As for a first meal, we recently made a spring vegetable terrine from Stephane Reynaud's cookbook (the recipe is available online at chow.com), some herbed goat cheese, and baguettes. You can, of course, buy the baguette instead of baking it, since you're tired! But the terrine was incredibly easy and can be served warm, room temp, or cold. Perfect for an impromptu picnic in your beautiful new apartment.

While I like the pasta idea, why not go for something seasonal as well, like a chicken and orzo pasta salad? It's one of our family favorites, and is perfect for this time of year with so many fresh veggies and basil. It is also makes a yummy lunch the next day while you're unpacking all those boxes. Create a special first-night-in-the-new-apartment cocktail to preface your meal. That will make it memorable!

Giada has an amazing roasted chicken (in the Everyday Italian cookbook) that I love pairing with an easy risotto and sauteed string beans. Served with a side of fresh baked bread, it's a super simple, filling yet light meal!

what a nice day, but perhaps not one for stew making. Maybe an asian inflected sesame noodle dish (or salad) with seasonal vegetables - like ramps, asparagus, artichokes. To celebrate counter space, perhaps a pineapple salsa with red onions, cilantro, a mango or two, and lime juice with corn tortillas.

Homemade pizza and some antipasto. For dessert........a flourless chocolate cake with creme fraiche and fresh strawberries