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His name is Orazio!

I remember seeing this saute’ pan at a Williams and Sonoma store that had opened in the Beverly Hills area sometime around 1987. This pan was so sexy, heavy, and expensive I could not believe it, and still, I could not take my eyes away from it. It became my dream to own this very exact model.

Shortly after introducing a metallurgical process from the brilliant mind of a Belgian metallurgist in the mid-80s, the cookware industry used steel-lined copper pans for the first time. Williams and Sonoma wanted a piece of the action. They immediately got involved in producing what is still, to this date, the most incredible part of metallurgical art.

It was a short production run. The pans sported all the most expensive options, like a pouring lip, and a heavy lid, featuring the best brass handles that the Mauviel industries could offer. This was one of the thickest and heaviest pan they provided at the time in this collection. Muviel no longer offers these pans, even in their modern designs here in the USA.

Soon the bean counters at the company directed production to a lighter copper weight and a less expensive handle, relegating these rare pieces to an occasional sighting here and there in the used market.

When I bought mine, it was covered in soot and full of oxidated spots. Basically, it was black. It took me the best part of 5 days and a sore shoulder to bring it back to its former glory. A few oxidized spots still cling on here and there, and I do not mind, like I do not mind, that there are some scrapes on the top lid next to the bronze handle. Every one of these scratches reminds me of the many scars I carry on my body. They all tell a story better than any tattoo will ever do.

The measure of a man is not just based on his successes but rather in the spirit he possesses and his willingness to rise again after a devastating defeat or a humiliating loss. While this spectacular pan looks fantastic, it has some scars here and there. 

To me they represent the undefeatable spirit this pan possesses. In a certain way, I see me in him. I love this pan but is becoming a bit too heavy for me to handle. My arthritis reminds me of it. At present Mauviel no longer deliver this kind of this copper quality into the USA market. 

It is too expensive to manufacture and would make it difficult to sell in the marketplace as all makers have opted for thinner and lighter copper pans.

In a certain way, you are buying a piece of history, but in this case, you are purchasing a Copper pan with real character. Like the hero in my favorite movie, “Gladiator,” this pan suffered huge travesties. Bringing “Orazio” to life was a cathartic experience for me, I remember I was going through some tough times, and together, we healed each other. I fixed the stained copper, and the pan restored my soul. We cooked like two madmen together, and the food from it was legendary.

Orazio is 10 inches wide, and it is 3 inches tall. The handle it is 18 inches long.

It means a great deal for me to know that Orazio has found a new home in a kitchen as passionate as mine. If you buy this pan, please use it. 

He looks sad when kept in a drawer. I know I did so myself for too long. That was my shame. I have too many pans. This is a rare stallion that is eager to run!

If this is your first time with a copper pan, this pan is not for you. Take a look at some of my other ones. Orazio is one tall drink of water and needs a firm hand. This is a personal item from my home to yours. Processing will take a few weeks since it will be handled with great care.

What you receive with this new addition to your kitchen includes:

• A personal letter congratulating you on this acquisition, signed by Nick Stellino. 
• Free FedEx shipping (insurance included)
• We are adding a free 1-year NS-VIP membership to make things even sweeter. If you already have one, we will extend yours, or we can set one up for the person of your choice as a gift that you can deliver via email. (Valued at $34.95)

Please note that this is non-returnable under any circumstances.