I was in a large Hispanic grocery store this week and checked out the pots and pans. There is a smattering of cast iron, none of it as polished as described, but I did find a no-name skillet that had the loop handle opposite the main handle (akin to the Lodge pans).

I shop at several ethnic stores in the area, I'll report in from the Asian and Middle Eastern markets soon, I'm due trips over for some of my seasonings and my preferred olive oil.

SRS