60,000 + people from over 35 countries and
student chefs, like the ones that Tfal brought in, got an
inside peek at what is about to become the latest obsession in your kitchen.
With over 2,100 exhibitors including
400 new companies, pots and pans took center stage. Did I mention that I just
finished buying the final pieces of my All Clad and Le
Creuset and now, the reality of a pan just got 10 times more eye-catching
(European designs), inspiring (designs from Japan) and enduring.
Not to say that I still don’t love my
brands. There is just more out there to choose from.
There is the Magic Grill Pan from Japan that
is cast iron and – are you ready for this - 1.5 mm thick. A cast iron is my go-to
pan when I want to cook steak and chops indoors.
Timing is everything isn’t it? I just bought
the large All Clad Stir Fry pan and now they have a smaller version of the wok
that sells for just $99 in the stores. The perfect size for a household of one.
Kitchen-Aid - my most-loved kitchen appliance – introduced 7-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware
that is expected to be superior to just about anything out there including All Clad. We’ll have to put that one to the
test for sure.
My favorite chef, Jose Andres, (trained in
Michelin-starred restaurants including elBulli with world-renowned Master Chef
Ferran Adrià) has a line by Castey that sets a very high bar for both design
and cooking performance for the professional chef.
Castey by S+Arck had one of my most wanted pieces of the
show, a small table barbecue, that will enhance the feel of your next intimate
dinner for two.
Adding to the long line of new pots and pans for the
everyday cooks are Rick Bayless by Gorham and Guy Fieri’s amusing line with
tattoo designs on the bottom.
In the Cooking Theater, celebrity chefs including Devin
Alexander, Rick Bayless, Paula Deen (thin and looking great)and Cat Cora were
cooking up inspirational dishes while Guy Fieri and Emeril entertained standing
-room -only crowds in their booths.
I could not wait to see what my favorite gadget company,
fusionbrands, came up with this year. They always create innovative designs
that are so practical.
This cleverly-named CoverBlubber, a super stretchable food
saver that is certain to replace plastic food wrap. They also came out with
this measuring cup that makes doubling a recipe a simple task.
Here are some more snapshots of the long list of
creatives that are sure to make it into your kitchen this year.
Now if only my wallet survives the
aftermath of this show and the sudden urge to take a trip to Europe, I’ll be
good to go until next year.
2014 March 15-18th
McCormick Place.
Bon Appetit!