All-Clad's Open House

During a summer afternoon in June, I was invited to the St. Lawrence Market Kitchen for All-Clad's preview and cooking demo. Being someone who loves to browse cookware and look at shiny things, I went to the media release.

I was warmly received and given a nice welcome, drinks and snacks were laid out by the entrance. I could see that the group before me was still lingering near the demo, so I went to check out the products.

Placed around the room were new All-Clad pieces that were coming out this fall for the holiday market. Above, a 6-piece gadget set. I wasn't sure that the pair of oven mitts and kitchen towel counted as "gadgets" but the set also included a can opener, garlic press, peeler, and pizza wheel. No doubt it would make for a nice housewarming or holiday gift!

A waffle maker has been on my wish list for the longest time. So I'm not surprised that I gravitated towards it. I seriously think my weekends would be better if I started the mornings with waffles. Howard may or may not agree.

Again, more in line with my love for weekend brunch, the electric griddle!

In our new home, we don't own a slow cooker, but I met Cynthia from DelectablyChic! who told me that she roasted a whole chicken in one before. Looking at the slow cooker with renewed interest, I'm thinking that I might have to look into this.

Sitting all pretty on the island was the d7 stainless steel slow cooker, meant to preform like Dutch ovens and other slow cookers. It was explained to me that d7 represented their 7 layers of metal, alternating between stainless steel and aluminum. Some of the perks of this cooker compared to the cast iron/ceramic/clay Dutch ovens is that it's lighter in weight, heats up faster, and doesn't have an enamel layer that chips.

I don't own a slow cooker or Dutch oven, but there appears to be lots of competition now as other well-known brands that produce these are also coming out with their own stainless steel editions.

The All-Clad lineup of 8-inch stainless steel, d5, and Copper Core pans.

As for the food demo utilizing All-Clad products, Chef Tony Cammalleri from Pusateri's was on hand to showcase a few fresh ingredients and how to cook them.

Searing scallops looked like a breeze.

A delicious sample of seared scallops with Peruvian Ají sauce and salsa.

Next up, assembling the Chimichurri flank steak with peppers and asparagus.

Just a little seasoning before serving. This was rather large for a bite-size sample, but had great flavours.

When I first saw TK, I thought of our publishing industry shorthand, to come. So I was curious as to what was to come. Then it was revealed to me as the All-Clad TK collection. A collection inspired by Chef Thomas Keller. If you have a large budget for cookware, this is probably the set for you! To make it even more exclusive, there will be 100 limited edition All-Clad TK sets available in Canada.

The TK lid that raised the spirits of the chefs in the room.

TK lid in action. Probably not a huge concern for home cooks, but lids seem to be the talk of the professional cook. A few cooks raised the point that they rarely use the designated lids, in the rush of the moment, they grab pans to cover their cookware. And this lid allows for stacking because of it's flat top. The TK lid comes in three sizes to fit and cover the cookware in this line. So one of the practical reasons is storage, you might just need the two lids instead of five.

The discreet copper trim detail that distinguishes the TK editions from the others. I obviously won't be able to gather round a set to use at home, so I look forward to reading reviews of those who are getting one!

Disclaimer: I was invited to the media preview and was gifted with an All-Clad d5 stainless steel reduction pan with measuring tool. I have used it a few times, mostly for making caramel, pudding, and creams - can you tell I'm a baker? Thank you to Brittney from Butter Public Relations Inc. for the invitation!

Cooking with ZWILLING

Last week, Howard and I had the pleasure of attending a event highlighting ZWILLING J.A. HENCKEL's cookware. We are long-time users of the ZWILLING knives and were excited to go and learn a bit more. There, we found out that ZWILLING J.A. HENCKEL is celebrating 110 years in Canada and also consists of Staub, Miyabi, and Demeyere - we did not realize that these brands were all part of their family!

Upon entering, we were greeted by the friendly team at NKPR and offered beverage choices.

I must say, I'm a fan of any event that offers something for non-wine drinkers! I tried the pomegranate and elderflower sparkling pressé.

Beside the kitchen, there was a table set with a ZWILLING salt and pepper shaker.

The ZWILLING cutlery was showcased since we weren't using those utensils for the dishes.

NKPR had set up the event to revolve around the Kitchen Personality. There were four stations, each catering to the individual's needs.

David Hale, VP Sales & Marketing at ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS, became our trusty guide as he took us to our first stop. Featuring the Staub Ceramics, this station was for "The Busy Bee." This collection is ideal for quick and easy meals that could be made ahead of time.

First, there was macaroni and cheese that you can garnish with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and bacon bits. We ate it (no photo) while David explained that the Staub products were made in France and included the cocotte pots, fry pans, grills, pans, woks, fondue pots, and presentation pieces.

They actually made two dishes here for us to try for when we circled back, there was pasta!

We couldn't help scooping up some bacon bits and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Now isn't that one way of decorating your hot tub?

As we stepped out to the backyard, we were introduced to "The Grill Master" station. Did you know you could use a cast iron coccotte on the barbecue? Another tip learnt.

During the hot summer weathers, David explained that instead of heating up your hard-earned air conditioned kitchen, you could take it outside. The barbecue acts as an oven and the cast iron coccottes self-bastes thanks to the spikes on the inside of the flat lid.

Over the weekend, Howard and I stopped by a cooking store and took a look at another brand's French oven and did notice that they didn't have the spikes on the lid. Just something to think about if you're considering getting one.

Oh the food here was delicious! They beautifully plated a sake-marinated flat iron beef with grilled asparagus.

Look! Even the lids on the presentation pieces have the tiny spikes.

The displays of knives was what Howard came to see. He was absolutely happy to see and hold these beautiful Miyabi knives. David informed us that these were authentic Japanese blades crafted from premium steel that were layered with the damask pattern. Just learnt that the hammered finish is called "Tsuchime."

From left to right: Miyabi 6000 Artisan, Miyabi 5000 Birchwood, Miyabi 5000 Kaizen, and Miyabi 600 Morimoto Edition (yes of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto!). Howard has decided that we need the 5000 series for our collection.

Naturally, they also had the ZWILLING cutlery on display! David explained that the blades are all the same, the only thing they change is the handle so that cook's can choose the one that works best for them. Whatever feels comfortable in your hands.

The knives are designed for the pinch grip (where you place your thumb on the curved bolster and the index finger on the other side. This allows for the circular rocking/chopping motion as Howard is so kindly demonstrating.

The pièce de résistance some might say were these KRAMER Stainless Damascus Collection and Carbon Collection knives. You've heard of Bob Kramer, right? If I could do a long whistle, I would here.
David was right, these knives surprised me. They may look heavy, but if you pick them up, it's light and easy to handle.

Back in the kitchen, we got to see all of the prepped ingredients and the cookware in action! This station was labelled "Le Gourmand."

Steaming dumplings!

Salmon!

Chef Matthew Sullivan was busy cooking and plating for us.

Honey soy and ginger glazed salmon crusted in wasabi served with baby bak choy, wilted greens with garlic and lemon zest, and a steamed vegetable wonton.

Can we say delicious again?

The chefs were using the new ZWILLING Sensation Cookware. These are made in Belgium and have this amazing textured handles for grip. Oh boy do we want a set to cook with! Howard has promptly placed this on the top of our wishlist. They're not even available in Canada yet - coming this fall!

Finally, the last station was "The Sweet Tooth" - that's me! Here they showcased Demeyere cookware series that are also manufactured in Belgium. They boast efficient boiling and an even frying.

I don't know what is making my heart flutter more - the butterscotch or the lovely cookware.

A perfect way to end the evening, crêpes with flambé pineapples drizzled with butterscotch.

Thank you to Leah from NKPR for inviting us and to Natasha Koifman for hosting us at her lovely home. Many thanks to David from ZWILLING J.A. HENCKEL for showing us around and for the informative evening. Lastly, thank you to the chefs from Daniel et Daniel for the delicious food.

Disclaimer: We were invited by NKPR to attend this event to learn about ZWILLING J.A. HENCKEL products and cookware. No monetary exchange took place. All opinions are our own.