The Cookbook Store, which closed back in March to make way for a condo development, is set to return. Instead of its own retail location, the store will open as a section of high end grocery shop All the Best Fine Foods. As such, the books on offer will be dramatically scaled back -- just 60 or so to begin with, though there are plans for more -- but events like cooking demonstrations and author appearances will once again have a home. The new boutique will be called All the Best Cookbooks.

That's the most intriguing aspect of this partnership, the degree to which it might foretell a way to help maintain the presence of independent booksellers in bricks and mortar shops across the city. While the marriage is a convenient one based on the food-focused theme of the store, one suspects that if it works, other bookstores might be willing to try this hybrid model, one which would still allow for online sales but also a space in which to promote literary culture and the authors whose books are on offer.

Photo by Rick McGinnis