I have a hard time controlling myself in bookstores. Having tucked my cash away in the glove compartment before even entering, I most often end up wandering through the aisles with my greedy hands shoved deep in my pockets. Of course the knowledge or story imparted by a tome is its primary purpose, but I am a sucker for a glossy cover, a rich folio of color photographs, the promise of a delightful adventure. This is especially true in the cookbook section.
I've admitted this to you before, and I came clean about the modest number of cookbooks that I actually use. Most of the pretty books that line my office shelf are cracked for perusal or reference, not actual cookery.
I use Talking Leaves for most of my book purchases. When a favorite author or chef announces an upcoming book, I anxiously await its publication. But honestly, that only happens half a dozen times a year. So what am I supposed to do on all of the other days when a paper cup of warm coffee and a rainy day seem like the perfect ingredients for a trip to the bookstore? When that modest $10 bill is burning a hole in my wallet?
I head over to the Book Outlet.
This bookstore, tucked away on the distant corner of a strip mall, has no sign that can be seen from the parking lot, nonetheless the street. One of a chain of locally owned discount bookstores, it specializes in remainders, a term that describes the many books that are overrun or deemed unsaleable by standard bookstores. They may not have the titles that can be found on the latest version of the bestseller list, but their offerings are no less abundant.
Contemporary authors and popular subject matter are available, but so are some more obscure selections- choices you imagine may have been sleeping in a warehouse for a decade or more. Either way, all of the books are new and in good condition. Better yet, they are all sold at 70% off of the publisher's list price.
Imagine the joy I (and my bank account) feel when I walk away with Alice Waters' miraculous “Fruit” for around $10.50. The same of which can be said for the dense and intense “Jeremiah Tower Cooks” and Tom Valenti's, “Welcome to My Kitchen”. Of course you'll have to dig for some of these treasures. They are buried amongst other lesser cookbooks.
Cookbooks produced by manufacturers seem to be especially popular here (Welch's Grape Cake, anyone?), as well as books that focus on subject matters with no recognizable author behind them--books with generic titles best seen in all caps like “BBQ USA” or "ITALIAN”. Amusing are the books that reflect the silly diet trends that develop and fall away like school girl crushes. Take for instance the book which offers 101 recipes for the All Cabbage Diet or publications from the early part of this decade that encourage the consumption of nothing but fatty protein. Best of all, you may find yourself giggling or smirking in the aisle when, much to your surprise, you come across a celebrity cookbook well past its “best if used by” date. On my most recent visit I audibly guffawed when I stumbled upon Robin Leach's Healthy Lifestyles Cookbook nestled up against the badly designed mid-90s efforts of one of Cher's personal chefs. I'm sure he's wishing he could turn back time.
The Book Outlet sells books of just about every genre with a good selection of audio books to boot. Everything--notions, books and stationary--is always 70% off of the listed price. If you are blessed with children that love to read or enjoy picture books, this place is a must. The children's selections are varied and interesting. I am always happy to buy my daughters chapter books that don't feel like some part of a major marketing scheme.
So, the next time you're looking for a good cookbook find, or perhaps a way to spend a little money and waste away a little time, stop into one of the Book Outlet's many locations.
Book Outlet Locations:
Tops Plaza, 2101 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14207
716.873.0583
Northtown Plaza, 3097 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY 14226
716.833.6151
908 Niagara Falls Boulevard (Wurlitzer Building), North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716.743.2795
2379 Maple Road, Williamsville, NY 14221
716.632.3568
Southgate Plaza, Union Rd & Seneca Street, West Seneca, NY 14224
716.674.1471
2429 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304
716.297.2567