John Ota was a man on a mission - to put together the perfect kitchen. And so John set out on a quest across North America, exploring examples of excellent designs throughout history, to learn from them and apply their lessons to his own restoration. He learned too about the homes and their occupants, who range from pilgrims to President Thomas Jefferson, from Julia Child to Georgia O'Keeffe, and from Elvis Presley to Louis Armstrong. Illustrated throughout, this is a book for homeowners, home makers, interior designers, cooks, armchair historians, and for anyone looking for inspiration for a renovation.