By Ellen Walsh
Photos by Ellen Walsh and Jan Marshall of Sur La Table

Cast iron COOKING is hot again, with a New Refined Look.
It's still as durable and useful as ever, but now it's even presentation
worthy along with your favorite table settings.
Chefs and caterers love that it keeps food warm from oven to table,
as well as the longevity of this durable product.

Click on Images for Captions

Made in a factory in Gilles, France, just miles from the Staub headquarters in Alsace, Staub produces the durable cast iron in a factory that once made artillery during WWII. It's enamel coatings make it indestructible and highly chip resistant, and the special ceramic bottom makes it possible to use on all types of heating surfaces.

Just a short commuter plane ride away is founder and CEO Francis Staub's office, located in a beautifully renovated estate overlooking the Fecht River. Francis has revitalized the cast iron look, and made its improved usefulness a favorite among high profile chefs everywhere. This enigmatic personality has taken the tried and true cast iron pots of yesteryear, and given them a new image and panache. Sleek lines, deep luscious enamel colors, coupled with the practicality and durability of cast iron, make this tabletop and cookware line a favorite among France's top chefs.

Staub Tour

Author and master patissiere Christine Ferber entertains at home using Staub cast iron mini plates and pots. Best known for her artisanal jams and fruits, she displays her vibrantly colored creations against the stark simplicity of the cast iron.

Typically not one to greet his guests, Patriarch Jean Paul Haeberlin of 3 star Michelin rated Auberge de l'Ill was luckily on hand to have his picture taken with Francis Staub on this beautiful day. His son Marc handles the restaurant now and his presence in the restaurant has helped maintain a 30-year standing three star rating from Michelin. We enjoyed true Alsacian cuisine, such as salmon soufflé and Alsacian style goose liver.

A stay in France would not be complete without a stopover in Paris and dinner at Alain Dutournier's Restaurant Carre Des Feuillants, our last stop of the Staub tour. The elegantly appointed black, white and silver themed décor was the perfect backdrop for Alain's creations. Staub's cast iron plates are coated with white enamel and then beautifully emblazoned with the Carre Des Feuillants logo.

Visit their web site at www.staub.usa.com

Also available at Sur La Table.

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