Mario Batali’s Piastra is an Italian grilling stone made of solid granite. It is double sided (grill/griddle), although the griddle is what’s used traditionally, and is meant to be used for cooking foods such as seafood and flat breads over a hot grill.
Considering it cost around $50 US, I was extremely disappointed when it broke the first time I used it. I followed the washing and care instructions carefully and as I was heating it up for the first time, a huge crack appeared that spanned 3/4 of the length. According to the instruction booklet, if the stone cracks, you are to discontinue use immediately. I suspect that a hairline crack was already present when I purchased it. From reading customer reviews, I discovered that this has happened to other people as well. Sounds like poor quality control to me. Anyways, I can’t get a refund, but hopefully I can spare someone else the frustration with this product.
Cooking with Alison 
Hahah – the Google advert that displayed for me was for a masonry expert.
that’s funny 🙂