It's been a while since I treated myself to a new kitchen gadget. So when Cook's Illustrated raved about carbon steel skillets as more user friendly than cast iron but with many of the same benefits, I decided to spring for one.
(Yes, I know...if CI said the secret to great ratatouille was to jump off a bridge with the eggplant I'd probably do that too.)
Anyway, it took a while before I decided to spring for one, and it gave me a firsthand view of CI's influence: it was actually pretty hard to find one, particularly their recommended Matfer Bourgeat 062005 - 11-7/8" dia. - Black Round Frying Pan.
Finally found it at Restaurantsupply.com. And here it is, newly arrived, heavy and shiny.
Very pretty, no? Hope I get a lot of happy skilleting out of it.
The other thing that I thought was a little remarkable about this was the packaging it came in. Here's a look--very, um, makeshift. There was nothing in there but the skillet...no padding, no nothing. I suppose, being carbon steel, it's theoretically indestructable but still.
While I applaud their ingenuity and creativity in packing supplies, you'd think, being a restaurant supply place that ships stuff regularly, they'd have a suitable box.
Anyway, it's here, it's beautiful, and I'm looking forward to seasoning it and getting cooking.
