I love to read, so much so that I went off to UC Santa Cruz
and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. That experience
not only enriched me with a deeper understanding of the texts
I read but thirst for decent coffee now and again. So it’s
refreshing to come across a venue that offers the best of
both worlds.
Located in Del Mar’s Flower Hill Mall on Via de la Valle,
The Bookworks and Pannikin Café sit side-by-side offering
a wonderful selection of coffee, teas, and pastries while,
within the same breathe, providing an encouraging literary
atmosphere. Though independent of one another in ownership,
a sliding door divides these establishments, inviting consumers
of either business to explore and broaden their shopping experience.
The mall itself is a two story outdoor shopping center along
Interstate 5, with 52 specialty shops nestled amid verdant
landscape and floral beauty. Adjacent to the shops is a fourplex
cinema that often showcases recently released independent
films.
True, there are more commercial alternatives to this marriage
of coffee and books, but such clones lack the unique personality
one would find at either Bookworks or the Pannikin. The Pannikin
has long possessed a foothold in coffeehouse culture in San
Diego County, offering unique gifts, professionally crafted
beverages, and delectable pastries. Though small, the Flower
Hill location exudes a coziness that is at once a refreshing
break from a shopping experience or simply a comfortable rest
bit from your day.
Bookworks is by no means a well-stocked bookstore, but the
emphasis is quality, not quantity. Almost anything that you
might find within this stores rustic wood casing is literature
of worth. Both non-fiction and fiction selections are strong,
vital, and interesting. What’s more, Bookworks sponsors
reading and music events as well as hosting a number of writing
workshops. For more information on these events stop in or
call 858-755-3735.
I have to admit, this is one of my favorite stops. It is the
beginning of a wonderful, though brief, east bound Sunday
drive that passes balloon rides and horseback riding leading
you through what is arguably San Diego’s most affluent
neighborhood, Rancho Santa Fe. Bottom line: if you looking
for a relaxing cup of coffee or tea, coupled with a fine reading
selection, then the Bookworks/Pannikin Café is your
desired destination.
