Page 18 By Amanda Goossen Photographs By Michael Baxter Chef Justin Beckett stands proudly in his Arcadia restaurant on a nightly basis, behind an abundance of burners, pans and various cooking utensils, preparing masterful plates for hungry locals, visitors and friends. With a large open kitchen, patrons are always in perfect view of Beckett’s hard work as he meticulously prepares plates that are not only delicious and intensely satisfying but have made him a household name amongst foodies and families alike. But to Justin Beckett, owner and Executive Chef of Beckett’s Table, his Arcadia restaurant is the second most important place he creates delicious home-style cooking. His number one spot for whipping up a meal is his home kitchen, with his wife Michelle and their two beautiful boys, Greyson (6) and Tobin (4). When Justin and Michelle moved into their Phoenix home seven years ago, they were saddled with a project. An original 1950s home, which had been owned by the same person for the past 18 years, the space would need a little At Home with tender loving care. The effort would mean a home with the layout, ranch-style and history they loved but with newer floors, paint, stripped wood beams and an entirely new kitchen. Affinity Kitchens in Scottsdale helped the Becketts design a kitchen that would be practical and family oriented while also working with the overall style of the home. Large, sleek and refined Viking appliances were used throughout the space, from the large stove to the refrigerator and wine locker. Counter space that most would envy is made even more special when you discover that the counter tops are made completely of sealed concrete, ensuring easy cleanup. “The way the counters were smoothed and poured gave them their unique look,” said Justin. For the man who spends most of his life in a kitchen, the cleanability and uncluttered look of the kitchen was one of the most important factors of the design. Appliances that are normally found scattered throughout most home kitchens are all hidden away, placed out of sight. Even the microwave is behind cabinet doors. Light switches are on the wall outside the kitchen space and all electrical outlets are Chef Beckett’s son, Tobin (4), gets to work in his own kitchen as dad prepares a meal. By Amanda Goossen Photographs By Michael Baxter At Home with tender loving care. The effort would mean a home with the layout, ranch-style and history Chef Justin Beckett

Page 19 would mean a le and history paint, stripped kitchen. tsdale helped that would be le also working e. ing appliances ace, from the d wine locker. envy is made cover that the tely of sealed smoothed and e look,” said st of his life in cluttered look ost important ound scattered are all hidden e microwave is all outside the al outlets are hidden underneath the cabinetry. There are only four seams on the entire length of the large counter space, making sure that no time is wasted cleaning grout or wiping away stubborn crumbs. Justin Beckett decided on things for his home kitchen that most home chefs would never think of, but can definitely admire. The functionality and cleanability leaves more time for Justin to spend with his family. The sleek glass table, which extends from the kitchen counter makes a great space for his young boys to sit and watch their dad cook. Unless they are cooking themselves, on their retro red pretend kitchen, positioned just a few feet from their father’s feet. “On the weekend we make breakfast and the boys like to use their pretend kitchen while I’m cooking,” said Justin. Perhaps the boys are practicing for their future, just as Justin prepared in his own family kitchen as a child. “I was the oldest of 5 kids,” said Justin. “My mom asked me to help out and I chose the kitchen as my space.” His experience would lead to a first job as a dishwasher and eventually the decision to attend culinary school. “I used the money my parents gave me for an SAT tutor to buy my girlfriend an anniversary present,” said Justin. “I was then on a mission to find a college that didn’t require SAT scores.” A friend mentioned culinary school as an option and Justin never looked back. “I love the rush of it all,” said Justin. “I love creating something that nourishes other people.” His favorite things to prepare? Breakfast for his family. Fresh pasta. Mexican food, especially enchiladas. And braised meats. “I love to make sandwiches,” said Justin. “They are probably my favorite food group.” Another is one of the basics. “I love vegetables,” said Justin. “I love creating a menu and a recipe according to what’s in season. And I really like getting people to eat vegetables they don’t think they like. They almost always change their mind.” 602-526-1213 Anna@AnnaMcDowell.com www.AnnaMcDowell.com ABR, CRS, GRI Providing personalized and professional service for 18 years Providing personalized and professional service for 18 years Providing personalized and professional service for 18 years Providing personalized and Rare opportunity in gated Arcadia Estates located in the heart of Arcadia! 4 bedrooms, 3725 sf, open floor plan with 15’ ceilings, new kitchen and many upgrades located on one of the largest and best lots in the community. Private park provides easy walking access to stores and restaurants. Offered at $1,095,000. 602-526-1213 602-526-1213 Gated Arcadia Estates www.blueseeds.net 602-952-1342 hello@blueseeds.net I SPY BLUESEEDS... FULL SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN & SHOWROOM