The sparkle in Amie Waltzer’s eye’s comes from realizing a dream. Sounds like a movie, right? Or a fiction novel, no pun intended. But partnering with Brittany Smith to launch The Book Bird is a dream come true. “The alchemy of our partnership is indescribable, especially working with someone who brings out the best in you,” says Waltzer. When asked how she and Smith decided to collaborate as co-owners, she replies, “I was her best customer.” Originally, Smith had a smaller bookstore space next door, and they decided to join forces after Amie’s second child.
So their common love of books, reading, cooking, nutrition, matching people with books, and providing a place for all people to commune drew them together. You’ll find The Book Bird nestled on the corner of  charming shopping block in downtown Avondale, a small suburb a short drive from Metro Atlanta.
“We both felt that if we didn’t try to take the big leap, we would always wonder whether we could do it,” says Waltzer. Her marketing background helps the creative aspect of the business and Smith’s master’s degree in food and health sciences is the fuel behind the food demo events and cookbook club. Their skill sets jive perfectly. “A lot of things had to happen in perfect timing, and they did,” says Waltzer. Also, there was a need to be met in Avondale, including the melding of food and literature.
“Our love of food, wine and coffee inspired a menu,” notes Smith. Pastries, and cheese boards with a picnic option are part of the offerings. Events are also a big part of the community, featuring Smith’s original Cookbook Book Club, cooking demos, High Tea along with Jane Austen book club gatherings, Sunday book hour for children, and many more.
Open only a few months, The Book Bird and its co-owners are giving the community something they may not have thought they needed. “We accomplished our vision of providing a gathering space with books, and in turn,” says Waltzer, “the community support has been incredible. We wouldn’t be here without it!”
Co-owners Smith and Waltzer.
1.) Must-know breakfast spot in town? And your go-to dish on the menu?
Brittany Smith: Murphy’s in Virginia Highlands. French Toast and their Fresh Mozzarella Avocado Toast.
Amie Waltzer: Leftie Lee’s in Olive and Pine. The Egg Sando on a milk bread bun is literally everything you need in a breakfast. Stepping out of Avondale, I would say Home Grown in Old Fourth Ward.
2.) Best book to bring along for dining solo?
Brittany: “Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage,” by Belle Burdon.
Amie: “The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion.”
3.) Local writer everyone must discover? Â
Brittany: It’s hard to pick just one as we have so many great authors right here in Atlanta. If I’m forced to pick one, I’ll go with Kate Dramis. I recently discovered her work and really enjoyed her latest novel, “The Odds of You.”
Amie: It’s so hard to choose. Mary Kay Andrews, Tayari Jones, Emily Giffin–the list goes on and on. Lynn Cullen, Brynne Barineau, Grace Helena Walz, Kate Dramis, Rachel Taff, Emily Carpenter. But I think I will go with Allie Millington who writes Middle Grade novels. “Olivetti” was such a cute book.
4.) Favorite chef memoir or cookbook?Â
Amie: Food memoirs! Ina Garten (“Be Ready When the Luck Happens”) and Kim Severson (“Spoon Fed”).
Brittany: Cookbook. Anything written by Ina Garten.
5.) Signature cocktail to accompany the consumption of literature?Â
Amie: Martini extra dirty.
Brittany: French 75.
6.) Anne Tyler wanders into your shop. Where would you send her for dinner?
Amie: Last Dance, which is opening down the road from us, is going to be a very special place. Tell Anne to wait about a month before she comes in so I can send her there!
Brittany: The Chastain. I love an indoor/outdoor space and the view from the restaurant is beautiful.
7.) William Faulkner strolls in a moment later. Where would you send him?
Brittany: Kimball House, a beautiful restaurant designed to make you want to stay for hours eating, drinking, and sharing stories.
Amie: The Colonnade, one of Atlanta’s oldest restaurants, for real Southern, home-cooked food. Or Billy’s Sandwiches here in Avondale for great Italian inspired sandwich that will also give him a VERY great education on our little city in a city.
8.) Favorite book for a three-hour airport delay?Â
Amie: Anything by Annabel Monaghan would keep me entertained endlessly. Also right now, “Yesteryear” by Caro Claire Burke. You wouldn’t even know three hours had passed while gripped by this story.
Brittany: “Writers and Lovers” by Lily King. Or here’s another oldie but goodie, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”
9.) The one dining experience in Atlanta no one should miss.Â
Amie: Umi Sushi in Buckhead. True fine dining and incredible food! For fun, 57th Fighter Group in Chamblee.
Brittany: Miller Union – southern, intentional, thoughtful, and seriously delicious!
10.) If you could dine with any author, living or dead, who would that be?
Amie: Right now, Beth Brower. I need to know how she has dreamed up a whole entire neighborhood full of interesting characters in 1800s England so perfectly.
Brittany: Hands down Ina Garten. And I’m secretly hoping she brings along Nancy Myers!
AUTHOR
Susan is an accomplished food and nonfiction writer with three inspirational books to her name, and a fourth out this summer. She travels the world planning her trips by dining reservations. She started the GA Lottery in the 90’s and turned to food, inspired by the work of Jacques Pepin, Natalie Dupree, and The Frugal Gourmet. Having been involved in the restaurant, food and wine industry for over a decade, she writes passionately about cuisine and foodpreneurs throughout the Southeast region.
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