Dare I admit that I place more emphasis on the aesthetics of the cookware I buy? I know, I know. The way it conducts heat is important. And so is the construction of the pot or pan. Oh, oven proof handles are important too. But while I do cook, I'm no Julia Child, so I can justify choosing cookware based on the way it looks.
I still love my Le Creuset dutch oven and gratin dish- in Flame, my favorite color. Although, the new Slate color is awfully appealing too. I'd love some copper cookware, but it's a bit pricey and maintenance is rather labor intensive. I like my Calphalon for non-stick cooking, and I do have some stainless cookware that looks perfectly acceptable on the top of my range.
But the latest cookware that has stolen my heart is that designed by John Pawson for Demeyere. In fact, I might give my right arm for some of it, although cooking might prove to be difficult as a leftie. Just look at it! It's sleek, sexy, and supremely glamorous. It has a look that fits in with the 1930s aesthetic that I love so much. This is cookware that looks so darn good that you might not want to mar it with extensive use. And with a six piece set costing around $1000, the price is a little hard to swallow. So, in the meantime, I'll continue to use my Le Creuset and Calphalon, but I'll be dreaming about the Pawson cookware.
(The John Pawson line can be purchased at Moss and on various cookware websites.)
Image at top: Julia Child's Kitchen, now on display at the Smithsonian. Julia would have found this whole post ridiculous!
I just forwarded this to Mr. B - it's gorgeous.
ReplyDeletePatricia- I can't stop looking at it, especially that saucepan!
ReplyDeleteIt is so Machine Age! Handsome as hell.
ReplyDelete-pt
I think Julia would appreciate your post. Have you read the marvelous book about her, My Life In France?
ReplyDeleteThese pots and pans are like jewelry for the kitchen! And I am sure form will follow function LOL
PT- I agree. It's too pretty to cook with!
ReplyDeleteVamp-Have not yet read that book, but it's on my list. Good point- jewelry for the kitchen!
Very nice! I only have all-copper cookware, brought back from a trip to France by my parents. I did recently buy a non-stick saute pan for convenience.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, that it's nice to have pretty looking cookware, (although it doesn't always stay that way after a lot of usage), and although Julia Child said, "You're alone in your kitchen.", that's probably no longer true, as we use the kitchen as a gathering room for guests, so it's aroom that needs to be well accessorised, like any other.
ReplyDeleteThis cookware is stunning, resembling pieces of jewelry to me!
ReplyDeletePeak, don't you think there's something Regency about the cookware? Something the Prince Regent would have liked (though in copper, presumably). I like the designs very much but am much wedded to my vintage copper pots and aged Le Creuset.
ReplyDeleteI am from the school of thought that just because you need arch support you should buy the ugly shoes. Kudos to you for doing what makes you happy!
ReplyDeleteI would put that on display, like silver.
ReplyDeleteImagine boiling water in that! :)