Provided is an article of cookware and a method of making the same. The cookware has a multi-layer bonded composite wall structure having an inner metal layer and an outer metal layer, and a core layer between the inner layer and the outer layer. The core layer has at least two perforated graphite plates, each plate having a plurality of spaced-apart holes formed therethrough, and at least one intermediate metal element disposed between the at least two perforated graphite plates and extending through the plurality of spaced-apart holes of each of the at least two perforated graphite plates. The at least one intermediate metal element is metallurgically bonded to the inner layer and the outer layer at least through the plurality of spaced-apart holes.