The Importance Of: Le Creuset

The only pot you will ever need

When I graduated college I landed my dream job. I was the Assistant Marketing Manager at Diesel Canada (the jean company, not the agency). I was thrilled to have been chosen over hundreds of applicants. Not only was I going to work in fashion, I was going to get paid.

My first paycheck arrived about 2 weeks after I had started. Most people would think it would have gone straight towards buying jeans, but alas, I opted for something a little less common. A Le Creuset enameled cast iron French oven.

I had be yearning to buy a French (or dutch) oven for a while and figured, heck, I’m on my own, paying cheap Montreal rent, why not?

The pot is 9 quarts, cobalt blue and round. It has seen the mistakes of burnt boeuf bourguignon, pasta encrusted to the entire pot, the death of live lobsters and many, many, many sauces. It still to this day (9 years later) looks to be in perfect condition.

If you’re able to splurge on these expensive pots, I suggest you do so immediately. They’re worth ten times as much. At this point it must cost me a fraction of a penny per use.

Things to note: Wash it with care. Use a gentle sponge on it, never steel wool or anything abrasive. If it discolours, just put a little white vinegar and it should come out clean.

I’ve been more than specific (go figure) with everyone: don’t wash it, let me. This usually isn’t a problem as its so heavy most can barely maneuver it. Once I walked in on an ex scouring the pot with an SOS pad and I nearly passed out. The bottom was completely discoloured and in turn so was our relationship. Fortunately the damage didn’t last. I did however, go as far as to see how much it would cost to reface (a fortune).

Also, In Canada, Costco has stocked the pots in the past near Christmas time. In my experience they are known to be around 70% off. They get the overstock from the office in St. Catherines, Ontario.

Update: I’ve been informed by Le Creuset Canada, that hey have not supplied their products to Costco since 2004.