Mt. Pleasant’s Bold Fork Books Is Making Fans of Foodies and Neighbors

Bold Fork Books in DC’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood.

By Anna de Carvalho | Edible DC

Bold Fork Books is a fun recent addition to the DC food scene—a food-centered bookstore founded by Clementine Thomas. Thomas, a native Washingtonian, is co-owner of Chez Billy Sud, a French bistro in Georgetown, but always loved cookbooks and dreamed of one day opening her own cookbook store.

That day arrived in 2019, when Thomas partnered with Mt. Pleasant’s Pear Plum Café to have a small cookbook pop-up with the goal of gathering the cooking community around books, both professional and home cooks. In its beginning days, the bookstore was more of a small personal collection that appeared within the café, growing as it gained a following. Last summer the pandemic forced the café to close, giving Thomas the opportunity to take over the space full time.

Bold Fork Books carries all types of food-related books including memoirs, food writing, new and historic cookbooks and even a children’s section. All types of cuisines are represented, from ingredient-specific to those focused on regional specialties. Some of her most popular titles lately are In Bibi’s Kitchen by Hawa Hassan and Julia Turshen and Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat. The eclectic collection has something for just about anyone.

Thomas’s newest section, Used and Vintage, offers pre-loved books in great condition. “This is my husband’s favorite area,” Thomas said as she pointed to the beer, wine and cocktail section with books such as French Cocktails and the Wine Bible. Also available are some great cooking tools. Thomas has an interesting array of things that can help you cook or eat, such as silicone ice molds, shakers, wooden cheese boards, hand-painted cooking- and food-themed cards, not to mention an absinthe drip.

Right now, with necessary COVID restrictions still in effect, Thomas says she’s “blown away by the community support.” The shop’s online site has gained steam, although according to Thomas, the majority of people still buy in person. Going forward she would like to have chefs and authors come in for readings and demos, as well as host events and cooking classes.

Bold Fork is next door to the neighborhood’s beloved Each Peach Market, which set up the perfect symbiotic relationship. If you like to eat food, cook food, or anything in between, stop by Bold Fork Books to get a taste of what they have to offer.

Bold Fork Books: 3064 Mt. Pleasant St. NW, Washington, DC | W–F noon–6pm, Sa 10am–6pm | boldforkbooks.com