Finex Cast Iron: Designed to be Delicious

By Marla Milling Published July 5, 2016

Your grandparents knew the value of cooking with cast iron cookware. The trend might have faded when Teflon came out, but cast iron is cool again and now a Portland company has put a brand new spin on the time-honored classic.

Mike Whitehead’s Finex Company creates handcrafted, heirloom-quality cast iron skillets. They are octagonal in shape and feature six pouring spouts, a quick-cooling wire-spring handle and a smooth CNC-machined interior.

Recommended Videos

With a background in manufacturing and design, Whitehead began experimenting with ways to create his idea of a perfect cast iron skillet. Once he accomplished his vision, he took his company plan to Kickstarter and found overwhelming support. The campaign ended on November 17, 2013 with 1,558 backers pledging $211,028.

Since that time, the company has moved into a production facility and now churns out beautifully handcrafted skillets, lids, and trivets. Prices range from $125 for the 8-inch cast iron skillet to $270 for the 12-inch cast iron set to $225 for the 12-inch cast iron twin spring grill pan.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Marla Hardee Milling is a full-time freelance writer living in a place often called the Paris of the South, Sante Fe of the…

Food & Drink

This historic US winery can legally call its wine champagne

Dive into the 150-year old history of this unique south jersey spot

Renault Winery

I lived in South Jersey for most of my life, yet I was completely unaware that such a popular winery with a rich history was right here in my backyard. The Renault Winery's story dates back nearly 156 years, when Louis Nicholas Renault left his hometown in France to set sail for California and later settled in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. Since then, the winery has changed hands a few times but still retains one unique trait that sets it apart from other wineries.

While most wineries in the U.S. are not allowed to call their sparkling wine champagne, Renault Winery has a notable historical exception. This historical privilege dates back to when Louis Renault requested a special permit from French authorities in the 1870s that allowed his wines to be labeled as champagne. Since the winery is grandfathered in, it can still safely call its blueberry sparkling wine "Blueberry Champagne", unlike other companies in the U.S. that must refer to it as a sparkling wine. Today, visitors can take a walking tour of Renault Winery and experience a wine tasting, diving into the history of this special winery.

Food & Drink

Aquavit: the centuries-old spirit that’s more than just “black death”

What exaclty is aquavit?

Alcohol tasting: Aquavit, Bitter orange snaps, Bask, Arrack punsch

If you’ve ever been to Iceland, there’s a chance a local tour guide has offered you a chance to partake in a less-than-appealing local rite of passage. I’m talking about eating fermented shark followed by a shot of Brennivin. I, like many travelers to Iceland, have taken part in this life-changing experience. I can tell you that the shark is the biggest acquired taste I’ve ever been a part of.

The Brennivin, on the other hand, was actually memorable in a good way. Even though it’s referred to as “black death,” this strong Icelandic spirit is a neutral spirit made from potatoes. It gets its unique flavor from the use of caraway seeds. It’s the country’s main type of Aquavit and it's the national drink. But it’s definitely not the only country that makes this unique spirit. You might be wondering what Aquavit is.

Food & Drink

Oskar Blues dresses up its beer in denim for the summer

A timeless look for some classic ales

Dale's Denim Pale.

Colorado brewery Oskar Blues is bringing back a limited-time favorite with the return of the Denim Dale's line. The release features a couple of flagship beers treated to cans inspired by your favorite pair of jeans. The light summer beers are available now through Labor Day Weekend.

"Last year’s denim beer case was a statement of rebellious independence – and people got it. This year, we wanted to take it even further,” says Aaron Baker, Oskar Blues brand director. “So we wrapped the can itself in denim. It’s a celebration of individuality, utility, and American grit – all things denim and Dale’s share at their core. Whether you’re cracking one open at a dive bar or tossing it in your cooler for a weekend outside, this is a beer that wears its character on its sleeve – or in this case, its can.”