Prior to opening her own restaurant, Barbara-Jo’s Elegant Home Cooking, in 1990, Barbara-jo McIntosh learned her culinary skills at Pierre Dubrulle Culinary School. As an avid reader, she was inspired to open a specialty cookbook shop when she saw an article in Saveur Magazine on Notting Hill’s famous book store, Books For Cooks. In 1997 she opened her own bookstore Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks which included a demonstration kitchen for visiting culinarians.
Her book store is now a gathering place for everyone from avid foodies, to visiting chefs and authors. It is because of her love for books, attention, and desire to connect with people that allowed her to build her business for over 25 years. People come to gather at her book store for culinary inspirations while perusing through the hundreds of titles offered.