A not-quite two-year-old that's the tranquil realization of a former antique dealer's dream, San Francisco's Omnivore Books (3885 Cesar Chavez) is a premiere place for perusing both new and incredibly rare tomes on food. Whether books by familiar names such as Anthony Bourdain, Julia Child, Michael Pollan, or Alice Waters or unfamiliar, to-be-discovered voices from the 19th century fit the personal bill, there's something to satisfy one's particular appetite cravings. Omnivore keeps its social calendar packed with author appearances ranging from local to international stars. The store also recognizes the city's enthusiasm for amateur cooking competitions and usually hosts one of its own each month. Recent battles include punch-off and pie-baking contests. Bring your literary treasures back to your comfy room at the Westin San Francisco Market Street, an ideal place from which to dream - or actually live! - even more edible adventures.
Across the country in Portland, Maine, the more veteran culinary bookstore known as Rabelais (86 Middle) is a dangerous place to be for those who love to consume, learn from, or otherwise play with cookbooks. If that strikes a deep chord amongst foodies, make Rabelais a special stop on your day-time drive to Portland from your stay in Portsmouth, New Hampshire's Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel. It will certainly give you plenty of thought for food all the way there and back.
[Image via Omnivore Books]
