Dream as if you have forever. Live as if you only have today. Bearing this saying in mind, I finally decided to ditch the old for something sparkling new.
Hell no, I am not talking about my partner. I could not live without her for one single minute. She is my personal reason for being infinitely content with life itself.
And no, neither am I referring to some cheap, unclassy & seriously overrated x-rated stuff. Believe me or not, the real deal surpasses the fakeness time after time.
I am actually - and there goes my rock 'n' roll credibility, see my other articles - referring to, euh, cookware. Sounds mindblowingly boring, I know, but give it a minute. I will try to explain.
These modern days, coloured by all its optimised innovations, the kitchen in general and the cookware we use in specific, almost has to be practical. If not, they won't make any chance of surviving the manic fashion dance. Not a single doubt about that. And thanks to the immersing globalisation there is a vast ocean of choices available to cater for all the varying tastes and preferences alike.
But there is also another side to 'la cuisine quotidienne', the 21st century kitchen: its aesthetical value. And that is exactly where the copper cookware pops up. Whether you are a fan or not, a (semi)-professional chef or an enthusiastic amateur cook: copper pots and pans do look sexy. Am I serious here? Yes. Am I exaggerating? I seriously don't think so.
Ever wondered why so many people insist on having their copperware presented in the kitchen as prominent as possible? Ask any qualified interieur designer: because it does look the business. Displayed copper cookware sets feed the eye. Authentic, hand-finished copperware has an aesthetic all its own and impossible to replicate from cold stainless steel.
You don't believe me? Fair enough. But next time you are browsing a glossy magazine or watching an episode of your favourite high society soap, have a little peep at the details. If the kitchen is featured, chances are huge you'll see walls with neatly placed & hung copper saucepans, pots, skillets, frying pans, etc. As if there was no tomorrow.
So, for all the well-documented talk of heat conduction and longevity - the obvious benefits related to copperware - I gladly raise a glass of the finest Bordeaux (a Petrus 2000 will certainly do) to the simple beauty of the handbeaten copper pan with its riveted cast-iron handle. Because I just decided to buy a brand new set of French copper cookware. And there's even more to celebrate: we now have the choice of creating our own preferred set, so both my partner and I can pick & choose our own little favourites. Life is far too short not to enjoy it where & whenever possible, isn't it?
