Jeanne Muchnick's 'Best Thing I Ate This Week' combines love of books and of good food

I love bookstores and I love food which is why the Katonah Reading Room ranks as one of my fave places.

Not only can I catch up on my summer reading — best reads so far include "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus, “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano, "Horse" by Geraldine Brooks, "Woman on Fire" by Lisa Barr and "Beware the Woman" by Megan Abbott — they have terrific coffee (I'm a latte girl) and six different toasts.

I've always been a fan of the avocado with scrambled egg on top, but for summer there's the heirloom tomato toast with ricotta, pesto and balsamic glaze and the "Verry Berry" toast featuring melted brie with blueberries, pistachios, mint and a raspberry drizzle. I also really liked the dill with hummus, cucumber salad, pickled onions and fried chickpeas.

All, available in gluten-free versions, are the best thing I ate this week.

The bookstore also sells great wraps and salads not to mention loads of great books (for adults and kids) in addition to stickers and gift items. Owner Gretchen Menzies also runs “Speakeasy Sessions” every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 2 p.m. in the second floor Reading Room where, during those hours, you can also enjoy your lunch. Topics and guests are ever-changing and no reservations are necessary.

On the upcoming schedule: musician Rufus Jones Jr. on July 11; Dr. Kimberly Ortiz, psychologist and author of “Alexa, What Color Are You?” on July 13; musician Jaime Babbitt on July 18; and Nicole Mata of This & That Vintage store on July 20. Plus, every Wednesday, there's a watercolor paint break from noon to 2 p.m. where you can share tips and techniques with other painters and treat yourself to lunch and coffee. But go soon — the tomato and blueberry toasts are seasonal, though other interesting creations are no doubt to come.

If you go

Address: 19 Edgemont Road, Katonah, 914-334-8019, katonahreadingroom.com

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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Jeanne Muchnick's Best thing I Ate: blueberry, tomato, cucumber toast