Yeah I'd probably go with the ceramic coated pan for that kind of heat, the nonstick ones tend to warp if you leave them on high for too long. I remember when my old roommate did that once and the whole kitchen smelled like burnt plastic for a week. We had to open every window even though it was December. For the risotto, you want to keep the stock warm on a back burner and add it one ladle at a time, letting it absorb before the next one. That constant stirring is what releases the starch and makes it creamy without any cream. I'll usually throw in some parmesan at the very end with a knob of butter. Let it rest off the heat for a couple minutes before serving so it sets up properly. If you have any leftover white wine, a splash right after toasting the rice works well too.

For the herb question, thyme and rosemary both hold up really well in slow braises, but basil will just turn black and bitter if you add it too early. Wait until the last five minutes for anything leafy like basil or parsley. And if you're roasting root vegetables, toss them in oil and salt at least twenty minutes before they go in so the seasoning has time to draw out some moisture and help with browning.

I think the best approach for the patio is to lay down a weed barrier first, then put the gravel on top of that. It keeps the maintenance down later. As for the dimensions, twelve by sixteen is plenty for a table and a few chairs, maybe even a small fire pit if you leave one corner open. You'll want to dig down about four inches, compact the soil, then add the barrier. The gravel should be around two inches deep after everything settles. For the border, pressure-treated lumber works fine and it's easier to level than stone. If you're doing it on a slight slope, you might need a retaining edge on the low end. My neighbor did something similar last spring and it took him a weekend. The key is getting the base right the first time so you're not redoing it in a year.

Let me know if you need help moving the bags of gravel. I've got a hand truck and can come by Sunday morning. Also, if you haven't picked up the weed barrier yet, the garden center on Fifth usually has it in stock and it's cheaper there than the big hardware stores.