I really enjoy cooking. I’m not saying that I’m some kind of master chef, far from it actually. Most of the delectable dishes I prepare come out straight out of a box and are of the “just add water” variety, but that’s still cooking, right? I’m just not a “from scratch” type of person. There’s always way too many ingredients to buy that you just know you’re never going to use again. I mean, mustard seed? What is that about? Regardless of my cooking skills level, there are a few meals that I can really hammer out. Being of Irish descent, one of them is a traditional meat and potatoes stew. Now, I know that making a mess while cooking is pretty much a given, but there’s got to be a way to reduce the kitchen destruction I’ve got going on.
That’s where the Tate Otama (Generate Design, $25.00) comes in. I know, you’re probably mystified as to what I’m talking about, but stay with me here. The name is Japanese and translates to “standing ladle,” which is exactly what it is. I mean, how is it possible that it took someone this long to come up with such a no-brainer concept? Making a ladle with a flat bottom isn’t that far fetched. Personally, I hate having to stir my stew and then lay the ladle on the counter. Then you come back later to stir it again, and there’s this gunky mess congealing to your counter. Yeah, I could buy a spoon rest, but that to me is a waste of money. I could just use a plate or a bowl if I really wanted that. Now, with this ladle I can just stir my stew and stand it up on the counter. Sure, I’ll get a little bit of a residue on there, but the majority of stew goodness will stay in the pot where it belongs.
Let’s see, we already know I make a pretty tasty stew, but were you aware of my banging pasta salad skills? That’s right, pasta salad. Sure, you think it’s easy, don’t you? I bet you buy that stuff at the deli that’s been sitting out there all day, too. I may be a “just add water” chef, but at least I’m trying.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3″ x 3.25″ x 11.7″
-Flat bottom
-Easily accessible when in use
-Easily stored
-Available in white or black
-Dishwasher safe
-Made of plastic
