Review on Fortessa Bistro Stainless Steel Flatware: 9-Inch Serving Fork For Elegant Dining by Jeff Kickthedogband

Simple Elegance: A Fortessa Bistro 18/10 Stainless Steel 5 Piece Flatware Set ReviewAs a chef, I've worked and eaten in fine dining restaurants where Fortessa flatware was used in the dining room. I never paid attention to the brand, but recognized the utensil's stamped logo. Even though I recognized their quality, I've never considered purchasing Fortessa flatware for home use opting instead for an inexpensive Oneida flatware set.The Bistro pattern is elegantly simple with two raised lines circling each end of the handle except the knife which has a grove encircling the handle's tang end. Additionally all the utensils except the knife has a stamped logo on the top left just above the neck and the logo, Fortessa, and 18-10 on the back of the handle with Indonesia centered on the back just above the neck. The knife has the logo and Fortessa written just above the tang on the back where it would go unnoticed on a properly set table with nothing on either side of the handle.Our current inexpensive Oneida Fremont 18/8 stainless steel set has served us well for over a decade. Besides the knives, the utensil handles are flat and stack well. Even though they are well used, they still exhibit a rust free shine. The Fortessa Bistro 18/10 set, made in Indonesia, has a high polished shine, rounded handles which don't stack well, and are about a 1/2 inch longer. The difference between 18/8 and 18/10, percentage of chromium to prevent rust and the percentage of nickel to retain a shiny finish, is more about marketing and is generally considered to be insignificant.The biggest difference comes from the Fortessa Bistro's noticeably heavier weight and the well balanced feel, which I prefer over our current set. Additionally, the thicker handles resist bending and warping.Each utensil's weight in ounces as compared (Oneida/Fortessa)Salad fork 1.1 / 2.1Dinner fork 1.2 / 2.8Knife 2.7 / 4.8Soup spoon 1.4 / 2.5Teaspoon 1.1 / 1.8At the current $30 price, I can't imagine purchasing nine more place settings for everyday use. While the Fortessa Bistro flatware could be used daily, I would be more likely to purchase place settings for when using my china. However I would likely need a smaller knife for the bread plate, an extra teaspoon and salad/dessert fork , and a demitasse spoon . All of these extras and more are available, but I would have to purchase each individually in packs of 12. A formal place setting would be a nice option in addition to the five piece setting.Even though a five piece place setting is ideal for everyday use, most people would probably prefer a more economical flatware set. The Fortessa Bistro flatware would work well with formal place settings, but will most likely require purchasing additional pieces. However, if you're looking for a high quality flatware set with a simple elegant pattern, the Fortessa Bistro flatware set is worthy of consideration.PROS:Solid quality constructionSimple elegant designWell balancedCONS:Doesn't offer a formal place setting option