The great food convergence or what would you want in the ulitmate community kitchen?

Today, two things happened that made me super happy. First, I discovered that Melanie Redman (with collaborator Shana Hillman), both members of CSI, launched the site 'Folks Gotta Eat' - a great new web site to educate us all about that which gives us life. And then I discovered 'eating designer' Marije Vogelzang who just pubished Eat Love - a scrumptious indulgence for those of us who savour the convergence of design, community and great food. And these things got me thinking....

So, you all know that we bought a building, or we are buying a building or we are in the awkward place where we have removed the conditions and haven't raised all the money yet. In any case, I am letting the cat out of the bag and there will be a big announcement soon, but in the meantime, we are designing the community space for the new building and I need your help.

What would the ulitmate community kitchen be and do?

For all you foodies and locavores and community animators and hosts and street party organizers, if you could design the ultimate entertaining space to feed people, to build community, to create connection what amenities would it have and what kinds of gatherings can you see in the space?

I am imagining salad club lunches, persian new years celebrations, food from every ethnic background, thanksgiving dinner, waffle breakfasts.... I can see lots of great coffee... everyone doing the dishes, people connecting over fridge cleanings. I imagine fancy events and lots of crock pots steaming. I can see the revolution starting in the kitchen and I can see the business deal emerging over the CSA delivery....I can see performance art and storytelling. I can see the social movements and collaborations emerging.... and at the heart of this is the cities best damned community kitchen!

What would your ultimate fantasy community kitchen be? What amenities must it have? What are the absolute must have's? both practical and whimsical? Give me your best and for the freshest idea... can't wait to hear what you come up with.

Tonya