I think one of the last independent bookstores in the universe is in my neighborhood, and it's one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. Given my book nerdiness, and the expertise of the men and women who work at Chevalier's, I never leave the place without purchasing one or two or three new books to add to my already groaning shelves. The cookbook section is especially amazing, filled with both the usual bestselling cookbooks and the sublimely esoteric.
If you're in Los Angeles this weekend and next, I want to encourage you to attend two signings of two new and fabulous cookbooks.
The first is called Made in America: Our Best Chefs Reinvent Comfort Food by Lucy Lean. I flipped through it the other day and practically started salivating. A press release says this: as representing the entire United States, chefs have been selected for their accomplishments, talent, and focus on local and sustainable cooking. From Ludo Lefebvre’s Duck-Fat-Fried Chicken with Piquillos Ketchup to Alain Ducasse’s GratinĂ©ed French Onion Soup to Mario Batali’s Pappardelle Bolognese to John Besh’s Jumbo Louisiana Shrimp to April Bloomfield’s Spicy Ginger Whoopie Pies, Made in America showcases our favorite dishes as conceived by our finest chefs.
Lucy will be signing copies of her book at Chevalier's this Sunday, October 9th from 12:00 until 2:00.
The second book signing that I want to promote at Chevalier's happens on Sunday, October 16th from 10:00 to 11:00 in the morning. The famous chef and baker extraordinaire Nancy Silverton will be signing her new cookbook, The Mozza Cookbook: Recipes from Los Angeles' Favorite Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria. Silverton is the creator of the original La Brea Bakery, and if you've never tried any of her food, you don't know what you're missing!
I urge any of you Angelenos who are around this Sunday or next to come out and support Chevalier's Books and these superlative cookbooks. You can grab a coffee on Larchmont, go to the wonderful farmer's market and stop by Chevalier's to get a great gift for yourself or friends. When you cook from the books, you'll be supporting independent bookstores, too!
We have a book store in our city that this reminds me of. Opened in 1933 and a city landmark. there is no other store like it. I could get lost in it for days... go here: http://www.haslams.com/
ReplyDeleteWe have a little tiny shop, The Bookworm, that was just sold recently. Wish I could have bought it.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of food ... my husband, saw your husband, today at the Larder. I said" Cool.Work is tough all around, that one gets to dine out or be brought food in, daily." Must be nice.
He probably wishes he could share something with me without my snide comebacks... ya think?
Bookstores are my favorite hangouts. When Melody was a baby and I had a rare afternoon away, that's where I'd go. Libraries are a close second, or maybe even a tie.
ReplyDeleteI can brag that my bookworminess has spared me the injuries that my daring husband can boast about (motorcycle wrecks, boating accident in '94 that almost killed him, etc). I do have arthritis in my thumbs from holding books, though.
I wish I was local, for this. I do love local bookstores - so glad you are promoting yours!
ReplyDeleteIf only...
ReplyDeleteI would like to go and buy a cookbook written and signed by *you*.
ReplyDeleteFood and books, my favorites.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the plug, Elizabeth! We look forward to seeing you at the events! :-)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could swim across the ocean and be there. English books are a rare thing in my country (if you don't go for the "mainstream" books)and it would be just wonderful to forget the time in your bookstore....
ReplyDeleteI can barely look at that Mozza cover without licking the screen every time I see it!
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