Yesterday, I was at Target because I needed laundry detergent and contact lens solution. As I come through one of the aisles in the Health & Beauty section, bam, I'm smacked with this huge display of Giada De Laurentiis' new cookware and food.
Of course, the wanna-build-an-empire-of-my-own part of me is intrigued so I must go check out Giada's goods. I am particularly intrigued because there isn't just cookware but food is included too like pasta, oils, and dressing.
The marketing/designer in me already likes the look and feel of the display, the cookware, and the packaging of the foods although it does look a bit Martha-ish. I like the color scheme because I'm partial to orange as you can see from my blog design. As usual Giada is looking like her perky radiant self. I still want to know what this woman's secret is for being able to be around carbs, cheese, and desserts all day and yet stay so slim.
Being the touchy feely person I am, I go and nab a muffin pan, I grasp the pasta server and wooden spoons, and I clutch a saute pan. I want to feel the weight of these items and experience how it feels in my hands. I envision myself baking vegan banana nut muffins or sauteing garlic and shrimp in olive oil. I'm a sensory type of cook and I like my cookware to feel good and heavy thus my lust for cast iron.
I was kinda sad because these beautifully designed and packaged pieces of cookware felt limp in my hands. In fact, all the steel items felt like IKEA quality cookware. Now, I love IKEA but I never buy cookware there because again I like heavy and sound feeling. I'll buy plates and glasses from IKEA but IKEA like cookware reminds me of my college days and early 20's living in an apartment with three other girls. If you're in that place in life right now or on a budget, then Giada's stuff would be awesome to have a designer look at low cost then say shopping at Sur La Table , my cookware playground.
The one Giada item that I did think was cool and would consider buying is the Panini Pan with Press
As for the food, I looked at the ingredients and the pastas are basically just semolina and water. The dressing I saw was a vinaigrette and I got all the ingredients, no science project going on there. I don't think I'd pay almost $3 though for a box of pasta when I can basically get the same stuff organic and cheaper at Whole Foods or Trader Joes.
I think it's exciting that Giada has her own line at Target and it's a good fit of the personalities. It's nice to see other food celebs besides Martha in a mainstream chain.
Have you checked out Giada's Target cookware or bought any of the pieces? What do you think?
