A few weeks ago my laptop froze and proceeded to flash alarming symbols. I was certain I had seen the last of everything on my hard drive (I was right....). When the Apple store could only grant me an appointment several days down the road I decided to bring my computer to an iStore in Westmount. Memories of all those websites I bookmarked and paper drafts I saved - just in case - paraded through my mind as I lugged my baby down Victoria Avenue. It was a sad moment. Until I spotted something wonderful: a store devoted entirely to cookbooks. Just next to the iStore, Appetite for Books has large glass windows that allow you to drool at its book-lined walls without even stepping inside. This time of year the windows display gourds in addition to books.

The store evokes notions of both rustic food and shiny steel kitchens. It is clean, and while every book has its place, it feels friendly and comfortable. The walls are lined with bookshelves, and the bookshelves absolutely stocked with books. If, like me, you have a certain affinity for food, photographs, cooking, or even just books, this collection is overwhelming.

Beginning with American/general, the shelves are organized under easy-to-navigate categories, such as baking, bread, French, and vegetarian. Appetite for Books offers cookbooks from most ethnic cuisines as well as some under more obscure categories such as children, healthy, and special diets.

Appetite for Books whet my palette for another very special reason. The store also hosts seasonal cooking classes, all based on cookbooks. The rear of the store recalls a set of a cooking show - an oven, stove, sink, counter, and fridge all in a place where they shouldn't be. A row of aprons hanging on the wall, and a chalkboard headed "Daily Specials" displays a handful of foodie quotes. Schedules and reservations for the classes and talks are available at the store or on their website. Most are pricey and fill quickly (which is why I have yet to participate) but I'm still so infatuated with the concept, and cannot think of a more pleasant place to play with food.

Appetite for Books
388 Victoria Avenue
514-369-2002

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