The Cookbook Store

Want to spend an afternoon in heaven?  Follow me over to the Cookbook Store in the Kensington section of San Diego.  Inside this humble, nondescript, strip mall storefront is a treasure trove of all things cookbook!  Owned and operated by Barbara Gelink (you have to look over stacks of books on tip-toe to see her at her workstation) the Cookbook Store is one of those things that you can't believe no one has started or thought of before.  Barbara stocks new and used cookbooks, rare and out of print cookbooks, spiral bound cookbooks, and international cookbooks. In addition to selling, she will buy or trade.  My friend and I went there a couple weeks ago and were in awe.  Just about every book you can think of is in this store from the latest TV chef personality to an obscure yet comforting book you remember your mom having back in the 60s.

At first glance you might wonder how you can ever find anything because it looks a little, shall we say, unorganized.  But never fear, Barbara knows exactly where everything is.  I was looking for an obscure 1980's Jr. League cookbook and before I could get the title out, Barbara went over to a shelf and voila, produced the book! I also picked up an old Shaker cookbook with lots of good, simple,  old-fashioned recipes (it was buy 1 get one free!!!)  

In a world of Amazon and other online shopping, cookbook fans can all agree there is nothing like actually checking out a cookbook in person.  We all like to see good photography or illustrations, succinct, easy to follow recipes, interesting copy, and great prices.  That being said, the Cookbook Store is one independent bookstore we could all support.  

Located at:  4180 Adams Avenue in San Diego (619-284-8224) cookingwithbabs@cox.net