Book & Cook: A New Haven for the Hungry Reader
Book & Cook is the newest cozy retreat where you can get lost in a story and linger over a meal
Words Mariel Ann Breanna Puli
Photos courtesy of Book & Cook
April 29, 2026
It’s every bibliophile’s dream to find a sanctuary that satisfies both their mind and stomach. While we often navigate between the silent hush of a bookstore and the bustling aroma of a coffee shop, it is a dream come true for these two worlds to finally merge into one.
Having opened its doors this past March 2026, Book & Cook arrived at the Fully Booked flagship in BGC to fulfill that very dream. It was designed as a cozy retreat where readers can get lost in a story and linger over a meal—a sanctuary that affirms the thought that the only thing better than a great book is a great book paired with a meal that feels welcoming.
A Cafe Inside a Bookstore
To be a reader is to live a thousand lives, and Book & Cook provided the perfect backdrop for every single one of them. This modern cultural space felt like a deliberate, comforting escape in the heart of the city, inviting all readers to stay a little longer in the worlds they discovered on the shelves.
This cafe inside a bookstore was built on the vision that while books nourish the mind, soulful food sustains the body. By bringing these two loves together, Book & Cook offered a seamless experience where readers never had to close a book just because it was lunchtime.
As Jaime Daez, managing director of Fully Booked, noted: “Many of our patrons say they can spend all day at Fully Booked, and we’re very happy with that feedback. Even though readers can forget the world while browsing books, some are bound to get hungry after exploring rows and rows of shelves, so we welcome Book & Cook as another way to delight our customers.”
Eat While Reading
The menu was thoughtfully curated with a reader’s focus in mind, featuring dishes that were easy to savor while eyes stayed glued to the page. From a velvety tomato soup paired with a spinach-and-artichoke melt to heartier options like truffle mushroom ravioli and beef stroganoff with herbed rice, every dish was designed to complement the reading experience.
“We thought of food you’d enjoy while reading or talking with friends about a book you’re excited about,” French chef Edouard Guillaud-Rollin stated.
He developed the retreat’s concept with a vision of making authentic French pastries and fresh, wholesome meals accessible to everyone. The textures of handmade pastas and butter croissants are crafted to enhance the atmosphere for guests and encourage them to return.
Chef Edouard: The Soul of the Kitchen
The soul of the kitchen belongs to French chef Edouard Guillaud-Rollin, a man who understands that stories are the ultimate seasoning. Hailing from the Burgundy region of France, he began his journey as an apprentice at fourteen and eventually spent eight years at Hôtel de la Poste (now Maison Doucet), where the restaurant earned a Michelin star during his tenure—a distinction it still holds today. After a twist of fate led him to make the Philippines his home in 2020, he brought his Michelin-honed skills to Manila.
Chef Edouard Guillaud-Rollin
He shared that reading sparked his early love for cooking. “I’ve loved books since I was a kid. In fact, a book inspired me to become a chef,” he said. “I especially love Cooking Master Boy. I read it when I was a young boy living in China, and I was so fascinated that I knew I wanted to work in the kitchen someday.” This whimsical inspiration brings a sense of wonder and passion to every plate he serves.
Authentic, Crafty, and Creative
Chef Edouard brought a French culinary heritage to the table, treating each dish with the same reverence one might give a first-edition classic. Whether it was leading the launch of Le Bistrot du Quai in France or co-founding Amelia Bistro & Patisserie in Parañaque, his philosophy remained rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and creativity.
At Book & Cook, guests could browse curated books and advance reading copies (ARCs) while they dined. It was a rare opportunity to taste the craftsmanship of a world-class chef while catching a first glimpse of the next great literary hit, making every visit feel like an exclusive event.
For the Hungry Reader
With a capacity to seat forty-two diners, the space offered varied options ranging from a cozy six-seater nook to casual bar seating. Located on the 3rd floor of Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street, it invited visitors to slow down and feel at home in a setting that values both craft and culture. It became a place people returned to, not just for aesthetics, but for comfort and inspiration.
As the city hummed outside, guests were left with the scent of fresh espresso and the weight of a new hardcover. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Friday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Book & Cook proved that the reader’s dream isn't just a happy ending—it’s a delicious, lingering middle that you’ll never want to leave.
