Rick Bayless has written some of my favorite books on Mexican food, including Mexican Everyday. As much as I like his books, and when I get to Chicago, his restaurants will be on my short list, I have to question his judgment. At one point he decided to do a Burger King ad. The money went to charity but it was still cheesy. Now, he has his own line of "Mexican" cookware that believe me, you can live without.
This pretty bean pot would be great for serving beans but you can’t use it on your stove or over direct heat. And it’s made in China! I guess the bright color makes it "Mexican". With all the artisan pottery and practical rustic earthenware available in Mexico, for a song, we have to wonder who thought this was a good idea.
Bayless rules, to a certain point. And you sir, put a fine point on it. The poor guy has fallen along the lines of his predecessors. Marfa, Emeril, and whomever else.
As near as I can tell, the above would never have agreed to such things early on. But when you surround yourself with Yes people? Your mind second guesses and makes these horrible choices. Or maybe it was in his contract?
Oh Rick, cuttit out.
You know what? I’d like to see the numbers, see what this lameass stuff makes for everyone involved. Clearly it’s worth their time, effort and loss of face.
Biggles
CONGRATULATIONS to Rancho Gordo for being named the Number TWO entry on Saveur’s Top 100 of 2008!!
http://saveur.com/back-issue/miscellaneous/the-2008-saveur-100-21046791.html
Hooray for beans and for Steve!
I am a big fan of Rick Bayless cookbooks, and his show, and also happen to be from his hometown of OKC, but I must admit, I am disappointed. Where’s the integrity? China? Rick, don’t let those evil corporate robots destroy you.
I did most of the design work on Rick’s line for Copco. Yes, Rick was passionate about “made in Mexico”, but mostly the company developing the line have ultimate say in where it’s produced, the materials and which products are appropriate. The bean pot was made of ceramic AND cast iron, but I’m not sure if the cast iron version got wide release. It’s unfortunate that the line didn’t do better. There was also a plan for a beautiful tortilla press, but Copco (not Mr. Bayless) has to decide what to market – they hold the risk.
Thanks for the insight, semicircle. I cut him some slack for all the good he’s done and I’m sure to do something cheesy at one point in my life, maybe, perhaps. But the origin of the pots should have been part of the negotiations and using ceramic pots that can’t be used on the stovetops is just bad judgment, even worse than being made in China, in my opinion.
But it’s a very pretty pot and you should be proud of that!