Every large city needs a decent cookbook store. New York has Kitchen Arts and Letters and Bonnie Slotnick Books (both extolled in this post). Portland has Powell’s Books for Home and Garden on Hawthorne Street. Vancouver had Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks, now of blessed memory (see last paragraph of this post). Seattle has the Book Larder. I confess that I haven’t frequented this store very often, as it’s in the Fremont neighborhood. As any long-time Seattle resident will tell you, I-5 presents a formidable barrier. There are limited streets that go over or under this road. And since Fremont is hipster central, parking can be problematic. Nevertheless, I’ve been to Fremont three times in the last month courtesy of Book Larder.

The first time was for a Book Larder- sponsored pretzel-making class at Sea Wolf Bakers. Our friend Bruce had signed up for this class, but he had to go out of town and asked me to go in his stead. It was great fun to fling flour in a real bakery. I want one of their steam-injected ovens, even though one would take up most of our garage. I took home pretzels, pretzel dough, a Sea Wolf Towel, and other baked goods.

Pretzel rolls. A little over-risen, but tasty.

The second time we went over on a Sunday afternoon to shop and for me to sign up for a book talk. Julian got this book, which appeals to his perfectionist side.

I got these three books. I’ve already made the red lentil and butternut squash soup out of the first book.

Melissa Clark writes regularly for The New York Times food section.

Last Wednesday I attended the book talk. The author, Judith Dern, is an acquaintance of mine. Her book is part of a series on the history of food and drink in various cities. The store was packed with fellow foodies. We’ll definitely visit the store more frequently, parking places permitting.

A potential bus commute book.