How can I live in Portland Oregon and
not write about the food?! Time to start her back up.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
A few weeks ago while at Borders, I was thumbing through one of the countless cooking magazines and stumbled across a list of the top ten cook book stores. I was excited to find one right in backyard!
The Cooks Library was everything I dreamed of and more! Located on W 3rd blocks from Beverly Hills, it sits quietly waiting for those who find it to come in, sit down and take your time looking through their impressive inventory of everything related to food and cooking. The manager Tim was extremely helpful answering my questions and offering me what would become coveted space on the nearby couch to review my perspective purchases.
My love affair with cook books (and cooking) came from my grandmother...Mildred. Just the name tells you she was a salt of the earth woman. She would stand at the door, as if to say "I've been waiting for you", cleaned and pressed apron on and insist you sit down as she promised to "fix you a little something". I would spend every weekend I could with her. My grandpa would retreat to the garage while she and I got busy in the kitchen. I must have been 5 or 6, she'd tie a dish towel around my waste and pull a chair up to the stove so I could add the salt, or stir the pot. She gave me my first cook book
The Encyclopedia of Creative Cooking. It's signed "To the sweetest granddaughter a Gram could ever want. Cook! Eat!! Enjoy!!!" 5-13-85. It's beat up, stained and barely held by it's binding, but it's one of most treasured possessions.
The Cooks Library reminds me of a place she would love. As I snap out of my fog I notice the store is hoppin. Two women are patiently waiting, books in hand for my coveted space on the couch. I just finished Anthony Bourdain's
The Nasty Bits and was looking for a new read. My friend @
Chubby Panda recommended
The United States of Arugula, and I found an interesting cook book
Salt and Pepper. Those will do for today.
Next time your in L.A., check out this gem. Get there when they open, find a few books and settle in on the couch. This could be addicting!
THE COOK'S LIBRARY
8373 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-655-3141
866-340-COOK (866-340-2665)
info@cookslibrary.com
Store hours:
Monday 1 - 5pm
Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 6pm
Closed Sundays
Cook! Eat!! Enjoy!!!
