Pot Porn
Never even looked at another pan until I saw this…
I’ve been using the same Tefal cookware set for 12 years, one of the more useful wedding gifts my Bin and I received.
One day, I’m at Gourdo’s, that den of sin for all things kitchen-centric, and I fall in love … okay, fine, lust. There it is, a pot in the most scintillating color of lime, its handle as graceful as it’s long. I feel my knees quiver and so I grab onto the pot for support. I’m surprised by the pot’s heft. Ooh, looks and strength. Sexy.
After a most thorough perusal of the pot and its kin, I learn that the pot I pine for is a Risotto Pot (P4,200) and its color is called Pesto. How apropos. Made of enamelled cast iron and finished in porcelain enamel, the pot is a paragon for easy using and cleaning. And as if that isn’t enough, this is cookware that’s compatible with gas and electric ranges and inside ovens too. It’s almost redundant that the pots are part of superstar chef Mario Batali’s kitchenware line; heck, I’d still buy the pot based on its looks and quality even if it had a more obscure chef’s name attached to it.
Hues of Pesto play with Persimmon, Chianti, and Espresso. Such melodic names. Aside from the Risotto Pot, here are my other favorites.
In my dreams, I stir up risotto and make soup in the aforementioned risotto pot. But I use the 12-inch deep skillet (P3,270) for frying small quantities of food and perhaps searing some he-man sized steaks. Notice the pour sprout on the side and the helper handle. It’s really all about the details.
Wooden tools (P210-P600). Ah, can’t live without ‘em! Far from the flimsy wooden spoons that I used to buy in packs of 3-for-50 pesos-broken-in-20-uses, these servers, spoons, and paddles (P210-P600) can withstand workouts!
Salt cellar (P770). So gorgeous I can’t stand it! An odd looking thing, yes, that bears resemblance to a mini beer barrel. Though I’m averse to “uni-tasking” gadgets that usually end up in my kitchen black hole (aka drawer of all things useless), I’m inexplicably drawn to this. Crafted to enhance the wood’s natural grain and color, two compartments are joined by an adjustable swivel-closure mechanism. Reputed to keep sea salt fresh and accessible, I suppose I could use these too as repositories for sugar, cinnamon, cupcake dragees, etc. I don’t care. I just want it.
Bistro Apron (P1,190) I used to pooh-pooh aprons. The last time I wore them was in culinary school, and that was almost 10 years ago. But one day, I was all dressed up and had to finish off a stew that I had on the stovetop. I’m quite the diva when it comes to unsoiled clothing, so I tied on an apron and I haven’t looked back since. I love how I can use it to wipe my hands or use as an emergency pot holder. And my clothes stay neat!
~~
The Mario Batali Italian Kitchen Collection
Available at all Gourdo’s Stores:
Fort, Alabang Town Center, Glorietta 4, Gateway, Promenade, Trinoma
Living Well Stores:
Podium, Mall of Asia
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THAT is a sexy color for a pot, but if you’re looking for the real deal, I suggest shelling out a little more and buying a Le Creuset pan/pot/anything. It is the ultimate cooking machine and comes in a plethora of yummy colors.
I wonder if anyone sells it here in Manila?
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buddha boy Reply:
July 25th, 2009 at 12:58 am
try checking le creuset pots and pans at rockwell. theres a new high end store there just beside via mare oyster bar.
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That is one gorgeous pot Lori! Have drooled over this Mario Batali collection myself! But yes, as what triportreats mentioned, if you really want the Patek Philippe of pots spring for a Le Creuset…with the price tag though Le Creuset still remains a dream for me!
Triportreats – You can get Le Creuset pots at Bacchus Epicerie at the Power Plant mall…but you’ll be shelling out a LOT more moolah than for these Mario Batali beauties
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Sounds a little too inexpensive for top quality… Will need to try it out. Thank you for the post. BTW, I also use salt boxes – they’re great. Bottom chamber for coarse salt top one for fine salt (make sure to heat coarse salt in an open pan to dry it out before storing in wood otherwise wood will get wet.
@triporteats.com – I agree completely. Le Creuset is terrific. The enamel is sturdy and resists chipping. I bought mine at Rustan’s years ago but they don’t carry them anymore. There’s a fairly new shop (from the Bacchus group) who’s name escapes me at Rockwell (where Seattle’s Best used to be) that stocks Le Creuset. Good luck!
Gourdo’s has very good cast iron cookware (Lodge brand)
Happy cooking!
[Reply]
www.triportreats.com Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Thanks for the tip! I should’ve bought some while I was still living in the states… but I think it’s time for one of those investment purchases. Le Creuset, here I come!
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great to see a post on kitchen equipment. will be furnishing a kitchen soon and am on the lookout for what to get and where. thanks!
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i loooove Gourdo’s too. i never go home empty handed when i drop by their store. it’s been ages since my last visit though…thanks for this post.
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“I’m at Gourdo’s, that den of sin for all things kitchen-centric”- I oh so know what you mean. Bought a mean paellera just recently. Big, heavy and hefty. I can’t leave the place empty handed, either.
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Thanks for the tip! your products are very cool
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