I have heard of this myself but have yet to investigate on the internet. But that would be the easiest research to do. I believe it is used mainly by Indians and I think it is separate from the main kitchen. Why, I do not know.

Here is an article about spice kitchens you might find enlightening.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Spice+kitchens+keep+aromas/8879018/story.html

Thanks for the link kimdee. When I searched for spice kitchen I wasnt getting much infor but this makes lots of sense.

@kimdee24, thanks for that article! Very interesting. I had seen a Candice Olsen show on HGTV and she was putting one in for an Indian couple. As I recall no one mentioned the strong odor from the spices, so I wasn't sure why. And I didn't know Africans used so many pungent spices to warrant separate kitchen as well. Thanks again. I learn so much on houzz!

@kimdee24, I have to admit that many reasons popped into my mind about the reasoning behind the separate kitchens, but not sure if smell was one but it sure makes sense, doesn't it? It made sense about the super powerful exhaust fans. Would be nice for garlic odors. I know Koreans use sooo much garlic especially in their kimchee but don't believe they have anything separate. Interesting world we live in, for sure.

And yes, there must certainly be a demand for those kitchens in Calgary if builders are incorporating them into designs.

Totally off-topic, but we drove through Calgary in summer of 91 from Alaska to Arizona. What a l...o...n...g trip but anyway the Stampede was going on and I wanted to see where it was at and we drove by the arena. Is it still pretty much downtown? That is where I remember it being or close to. I also remember, gets fuzzy here because I don't know if it was Calgary or Edmonton, the wonderfully interesting road signs. One said "squeeze right" for our "merge" and "rumbles ahead" for some sort of low speed bumps. We were wondering about the "rumbles" and immediately went over them so figured those out right away. We laughed so hard and I remember those fondly.

Kind of makes me want a 'spice kitchen!'

Yes, Stampede Grounds are at the "Saddledome", (aptly named because that's what it looks like), and it's still downtown. I haven't been to Stampede in years, I should go again sometime. I'm in Edmonton... I don't recall having ever seen a 'squeeze right' sign, but maybe they are so familiar that I've never noticed. But yeah, when you run over a 'rumble strip' it's quite apparent why it's called that, lol! They certainly get your attention.

kimdee24, well thanks for that answer. The more I thought about which city, the more I realized Calgary because we got off the interstate. Just zoomed through Edmonton. Yes, the arena was shaped differently. Don't remember if I realized saddle shape or not.

Sorry but I thought you were in Calgary, I guess newspaper story threw me off! Thanks so much for chatting with me. And btw, I saw your link to your home on a thread awhile back and it is just stunning. Wonderful decorating skills you have. Brava!

Thank you so much! I had a lot of help, both from my designer and from Houzzers, so I can't take all the credit! It's been a pleasure chatting!

We had neighbors whom apparently liked to cook. May be they had a spice kitchen or may be not. Some of their cooking smelled good, and at other times not so good. Let's say they were venting their aromas to the outdoors, is there a thing like a filter or an absorber so i don't have to smell their cooking aromas

Curt, I think I know what you mean but I would rather smell food cooking than smell neighbor's wood burning fire pits. I live in Az. and we are cooped up for so many months during the summer heat with the a/c going and going. When it finally cools off enough to open windows and doors, there is invariably some one who thinks it's "cold" out and lights it up! Then of course all we smell is something burning and it is coming into our home and we have to close all windows and doors just to escape the smell. Drives us batty!

Yes, unwantedadvice I have experienced that many times myself and had to use my asthma puffer.

Yes, chook, that would be awful if you have asthma. We swear the house is burning down or something! So aggravating, we just want fresh, outside air to breath. On "no burn" days in the winter people aren't allowed to use them or indoor fireplaces if wood-burning. Indoor wood burning fireplaces were banned in new build homes in the 90s. Such pollution makers.

@unwantedadvice -- I couldn't agree more, except that for us, it's the opposite. As soon as spring hit, my neighbour would start in with the firepit, and I couldn't even open a window without my house filling up with campfire stink. Just made me crazy. Shouldn't be allowed in the city, imho. If you want to have a campfire... GO CAMPING!

@kimdee, yes that is a good one about camping! So glad that other people do not like them as well . Just get propane ones or something. My brother lives in Washington and they have"nuisance smoke" laws. If only we had that here.

I smoke, so i'm guessing me even visiting washington is out of the question. Geez, i'll just be a nuisance

Well Curt, that's a distinct possibility!! Just kidding, of course. And you would be welcomed, just sent outside while you smoke and we will all be in the house cooped up until you are finished. Just knock and we may or may not let you back in! Lol :))

@unwantedadvice
Lol :))))))))