Ventured east today for the last of the trifecta of bookshop/wine bars on my list. Have been following @wearebardbooks for a while. Excited to finally visit and the shop did not disappoint. Vibrant and lively on a Sunday afternoon.
Journeyed to Balham for a visit to @backstory.london , named London’s best indie bookshop 2026 by @thebritishbookawards . Backstory is a bookshop and wine bar, which seems to be a popular combination in London. Seems a just-right combination for me!
Moody weather day in London called for a little adventure to Islington and a visit to a place that I have been following for some time. @bookbaruk is exactly as advertised: bookshop and bar. If ever there was a job for me, this idea seems to be it!
Book haul from Rome: Sets of short stories in parallel text translation, contemporary authors, and a couple of volumes of poetry. All from @otherwisebookshop where they have an excellent selection of Italian writers in English translation. Plus, a Joan Didion and a book on writing fiction, both not pictured, because I wanted to support @almostcornerbookshop . Now, home and ready to settle into some of these post-@texsomiwa .
As I depart Rome, I am reminiscing about the many bookstores of the city. I had a couple of favorites already, had researched others, and found even more while wandering the streets. Still top of my list are sibling shops Altroquando, Otherwise, and Overlook Cinema Bookshop. They all are on the same street and share ownership. Seems a dream occupation. Now, I need to learn Italian!
Two hidden places that each provided wonderful experiences. Trattoria al Moro for lunch is classic Roman with artichokes, tripe, and other specialties. Reminded me of New Orleans restaurants where the servers have been on staff for 50 years. Ristorante Santa Cristina al Quirinale, tucked away at the top of the Trevi steps, was small and half the tables were clergy. As someone told me, “If the priests eat there, then it’s good.” One of the best pasta dishes of the trip so far was the Santa Cristina Delight of pasta with zucchini and zucchini flowers. Recommend both places for different experiences.
My favorite pen shop in Rome is Stilo Fetti, and I always feel spoiled for choice here since the city has a few good pen shops. Marco does not speak much English and I speak even less Italian but we always seem to manage to talk pens. New fountain pen day and an early birthday gift to myself. Been saving up for something special, which like wine is based on each person’s taste and budget. A nice memory of Rome to take home and use.
