Phaidon

A good bookstore—or Barnes & Noble—has always been a place I go when I’m feeling down or in need of inspiration. It’s a space where I can lose myself in my thoughts, whether they’re heavy or hopeful. I know I’m not alone in finding that unique pull and peace in a bookstore.

During a particularly tough time in my life, I spent every Sunday for months wandering the Barnes & Noble on 3rd Street in Santa Monica (now sadly closed). It became my sanctuary—a place of solace and escape. Three glorious floors of books and ideas to uncover, offering a little light in the midst of my grief.

During that time, one of the treasures I discovered was a series of eye-catching cookbooks, all marked with the Greek letter Phi (Φ) on the spine. And this is where my Phaidon cookbook collection began, however slowly, and really my love for well designed cookbooks and the Phaidon Press books in general too.

And nine years laters, here’s my Phaidon Cookbook Collection.