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History

Vincent Zarrilli opened the first Pot Shop in Boston on Boylston Street in 1959. In those early years it was hard not to notice the Zarrilli children walking up and down the streets wearing sandwich signs, advertising their dad's store - usually, they got a quarter for their efforts!. The Pot Shop quickly expanded to cover New England, from Edgartown to Watch Hill, Rhode Island to Kennebunkport, Maine. We greatly miss those very special days and our beloved father. The Pot Shop of Boston is now operated exclusively online.

In 1962, Julia Child urged Vincent to create The Original French Chef Omelette Pan. The pan soon became one of the Pot Shop's most popular items. The heavy cast aluminum in these transfers heat evenly, so omelets cook quickly and retain a light, moist texture; the shallow sloping sides and sturdy wooden handles facilitate flipping.

November 6, 2021
Mary,

My son inherited this omelette pan from his grand uncle Jim and I think it may be an original. Uncle Jim lived in NYC from the mid 50’s to mid 60’s while attending under-grad and grad school where he acquired cookware that he utilized up until his death.


As our local PBS station has been broadcasting early Julia Child cooking programs these last few months I noticed that several pieces she was using looked very similar to those of my uncle. Could it be possible that this omelette pan is one inspired by Julia? I have been making omelettes since my university days of the late 70’s (under tutelage of my uncle) but none compare to those I make when I use this pan. They are exquisite and in just 2 minutes or less!

Any input is much appreciated.

Dave Coziahr

 

January 10, 2017

Rick
Thought you might like to know that one of the original natural omelette pans with the black handle which Julia gave me when I was at the CIA when it was in New Haven is on exhibit at The Oklahoma History Center in which I'm featured.
It has survived in my possession for the past 50+ years and used it until I loaned it to the History Center last year.
Just thought you might like to know.
Chef John Bennett
Oklahoma City
OK

November 7, 2017

I have been cooking omelettes for over fifty years, having learned from Narcissa Chamberlain’s old classic “The Omelette Book.” Back in the early sixties it was almost impossible to find a decent omelette pan. My dad found a steel “chef’s” pan that did well enough in terms of shape, but we had to finish omelettes in the oven because it heated unevenly on our electric range. Since then I’ve used all manner of pans, including many good ones, but none were the perfect pan. Last summer I celebrated my Golden Jubilee, and parishioners gave me money for kitchen gear—they knew I like to cook. One of the first things I looked for was an omelette pan, and I found the Boston Pot shop online. I ordered the ten-inch classic pan. After seasoning it, I cooked my first omelette in it. It exceeded my expectations. I’ve never had a pan that heated so evenly. There was no sticking at all, either. Though pricey, the pan is worth every penny. Thank you!

        Fr Dave Centner

 

Although the Pot Shop has since scaled back its retail stores, it opened up the market to home chefs all across the country through its online store. Not only will the Pot Shop's authentic Bean Pots impress those dinner guests but our recipes and cookbooks are sure to give that onion soup the extra zest you were looking for.

The Pot Shop continues to be a family operation run by Mary Zarrilli Connaughton (Vincent's daughter) and her husband Rick. We strive to give you the highest quality service and customer support.

Happy Cooking!

- The Pot Shop of Boston