Jeff Parker Cooks

The Good News -I have joined the blogosphere. On second thought, is that really good news?  It has taken me forever to get a blog up and running – I’ve been tired people!  Let’s just say it has been a draining couple years.  However, after returning home from Denver and the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals) conference on Sunday I was re-invigorated and ready to jump back in the game.  The central theme of the conference was sustainability of food, farming, eco-systems, our planet.  I have been drinking that Kool-Aid since the 90′s when I had a small health food store in Dallas.  Finally, things are catching up – more to come on that later.

More Good News from some book publishers is that cookbook sales are up.  Optimistically, that means recipes, book ideas, and food styling should all be back in demand.  The big buzz of the conference was that we must have an online presence.  Facebook, blogging, vlogging, Twitter, social-networking, etc. – was everywhere.  Hell, you’d think Twitter and the iPhone were created with food writers in mind!

The Bad News – unfortunately, today I just learned we have not been able to sustain one of our own. After 20 years to the month, Ellen Rose is closing The Cook’s Library. Once a coveted stop for book signings on many cookbook author tours, the store like so many independent booksellers has fallen to the economy and online books sales.

The Cook's Library, Los Angeles CA

The Cook’s Library been a great resource locally and nationally. When I was first starting my personal chef business a few years back, Ellen was very helpful in pointing me to books that would be compatible to my business. In the years that have followed, I have sat in that overstuffed sofa for hours researching recipes for projects, dinner parties, etc. (yes, I bought a lot of books too).  Now the store is half-empty with a clearance sale of 40% off new books and used books are $2.00 for hardcover or $1.00 for softcover.

While I was there Ellen was on the phone putting together the judges panel for the James Beard Foundation’s cookbook awards. Even with the closing of her store, Ellen is still working to promote the best cookbooks of the year. If you happen to be near 3rd and Orlando, be sure to stop in and congratulate Ellen on 20 great years.

The Cook’s Library 8373 W 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90048 – (323) 655-3141

Tags: cookbooks, stores