Diane's Market Kitchen

e when most of her friends were looking forward to relaxation and retirement, Diane LaVonne was forced to redefine herself and to create a new vision for her life. When this former wife, mother, part-time caterer, martial arts instructor and community volunteer told friends about her dream to open a beautiful “home kitchen” in the heart of urban Seattle near the Pike Place Market, a place where the community could gather to connect and learn how to prepare and enjoy food, many thought it was a pipe dream. But despite a lack of the necessary funding, and the construction surprises that came from turning a garage into a commercial kitchen – Diane kept moving forward. A straight-forward, passionate, friendly force who believes in asking for what one needs - when she couldn’t afford the high end appliances necessary, she asked manufacturers and local dealers to donate them... and they did. At Diane’s Market Kitchen, you’ll find the newest Miele equipment donated by Albert Lee Appliance as well as countertop equipment donated by Kitchenaid and Cuisinart. Just $50,000. The kitchen is an intimate, beautiful, state-of-the-art "home" kitchen where Diane shares her culinary skills and experience with her "guests". Food and menus are based on what is fresh, seasonal and local; most of the items are supplied by her vendor friends at the Pike Place Market. This unique environment was created to allow her to model what cooking, surrounded by friends, can look like at its best; lots of conversation and good food without having to choose between the two. Guests can observe, or they can tie on an apron and help prepare the meal! Diane’s vision is about balance - about how to place food in its appropriate context for a life well-lived and enjoyed. Recent guests have included a group of Microsoft Human Resource Managers after a long day of strategy and planning; a woman who received the evening class for her and her friends as a birthday gift from her boyfriend; and a local resident who gathered family together for a Thanksgiving meal. Besides regular classes and special guest chefs, future plans include children’s classes and parties. Diane has not forgotten how difficult her transition out of hopelessness and through challenging times was, and a large part of her vision includes support of her local community by donating classes and money to benefit children’s education and women in transition.