AJPeabody

As for NYFoodSnob: Staub's cover design for their Dutch oven is superior because the top allows you to fill the outside of the cover with water cooling the cover, causing interior steam to be condensed across the inside of the top and drip from the bumps inside the cover and thus baste the top of the roast. The Creuset design only allows condensate to flow down the sides of the pot inside, without basting the roast.

Christina

As for the shoes, which at least aren't so heavy. I've looked but haven't bought any when over there, and I often go during a sales period (July). Last time I meant to go to a real Mephisto shop rather than dept stores, but never got around to it. The problem with sales is like all sales -- the best models aren't on sale, what is on sale is basically season's end goods in odd sizes. They aren't cheap, but they do charge a lot in the US where I live for these shoes, so you could maybe save a little, if you want to go to that trouble with the VAT, etc.

But this is empirical, just go and look at them and see what they cost versus what you spend back home, and be sure you know what they are charging back home.

NYCFoodSnob

Basting a roast with water droplets from the lid? Give me a break. I fail to see how that would make a roast taste better.

I've been in the kitchens of some very famous chefs, including a few in Europe. I've studied cooking with a few of them, including my precious darling, Marcella Hazan. I've seen the equipment some of these talented stars use to create magic. Some of their pots and pans are downright laughable, head scratching. I'd be embarrassed to own a few of the pieces I've seen. Just goes to show, it isn't the pot or the pan that creates great food, it's the person using the tool. And I've seen great cooks create on T-Fal and Farberware, even though you won't find either brand in my kitchen.

Tabernash2

I'm with you, NYC, seeing as how I just invested in a new Le Crueset Dutch oven! Am actually using it right now for a turkey breast.)

aliced

Is anything cheaper in Europe?? Have you noticed the hordes of European and Asian tourists swarming in Century 21 NYC and up at Woodbury Commons who come here and shop with empty suitcases for their European goods here?! Yes, they might have additional designs, colors, styles than are exported (just like wines), but when the "Old Yellow" Timberland boots are selling for 260 swiss francs in Montreux, Switzerland, it pretty much sums up my take on this topic. Back in the day I purchased a great Beauville tablecloth at Galeries Lafayette Paris-- then saw it at a much higher price at Barneys, but this was more than 20 years ago.

jgg

We have purchased Mephisto shoes in Paris and Aix. Both times at an actual Mephisto store and neither during a sale. Mephisto's are definitely cheaper in France than in the US (this is the ONLY item I have ever found to be cheaper in Europe), even when not on sale, so definitely worth buying there. Hubby and I each bought two pairs on our recent trip to Aix.

DebitNM

I bought a 5.5 qt Dutch oven in Orlando. It was $99. It was unbelievably heavy to carry on the plane back here and that was only a single 3 hours flight. I sure wouldn't drag it around Europe or on a flight[s]

Graziella5b

Home Goods have great prices for le Creuset. Límited selection , with a little bit of luck works great











I, but eith a little bit of luck works fine...

Pintxos

OK, I will shop locally at TJ maxx. Thank you everyone!

MissPrism

I thought that a Dutch oven was a Victorian appliance used by an open fire. It turns out that I have three, all made by Ls Creuset. I just call 'em casseroles

Gretchen

WELL, actually they are NOT "Dutch ovens". They are "French ovens"-and sold as such! LOL
There are other brands of these enamel cast iron pots that are quite good, and often on sale (as is LC). Staub is one. Search on Amazon, Chef's Catalog, etc. And the stores mentioned have them from time to time--not always--but good sale when there.

mgnapoli

Here - you can find lots of pieces at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. And it is so heavy, the shipping will be very, very expensive.