LOTS OF MERRY TO ALL
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| Photograph by Denise Blasor |
Daring to dare for joy of joy.
e.e.cummings
CRONOPIOS BOOKSTORE MAKES A COMBACK
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| Photograph by Denise Blasor |
Like cats, books have more than one life. So do some bookstores, as in the case of Cronopios which, having shut down recently, is now back in business.
A fixture of Old San Juan for four decades, first under the name of The Book Store and then as Cronopios, the bookstore closed its doors in August, the victim of an ongoing pavement project that is upgrading the streets of the old city but also, inevitably, financially hurting many businesses along the path of construction. Its apparent demise was much regretted among its long-time clientele, according to Alfredo Sepulveda, co-owner of the store with Cristobal Colon Arroyo (no relation to the original Christopher Columbus). In fact, it seemed like the end of an era: he said he had no idea whether he might be able to reopen elsewhere.
Flash forward. Cronopios reopens tomorrow Wednesday out of a comfortable, 1,600-square-foot space on De Diego Ave. , a much transited neighborhood that is home to a colorful mix of enterprises including the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico, Ballet Concierto, Pedini de PR, Luxes Diseño, Bla Bla Coffee House, Hacienda San Pedro, Rigoletto Restaurant and Bistro de Paris.
And what a welcoming place it is. "We want people to feel as if they are in their own homes," said Sepulveda, who was busy on Monday putting the finishing touches on the new store.
Indeed, step inside and you do feel as if you are in a very homey living room, or maybe a salon like the ones of ages past when people gathered to discuss the books and politics of the day. There is plenty of seating about, including a purple iron bench and a cozy white sofa that beckons the visitor to sit down to leaf through a magazine or check out one of the many books displayed in wooden shelves stacked against the walls covered with art, posters, and the original sign from The Book Store.
Off the entrance to the right, is a counter with stools where you can sit down for a cup of coffee, or maybe a quick bite. Or you can opt to sit at other small tables arranged here and there with another three or four situated outside the store for European-style, al fresco people watching. Sepulveda said the menu will include 12 different salads, soups, and sandwiches in addition to desserts and beverages, including Cafetero coffee which he rated a "very good" local brand. He is in the process of acquiring a liquor license that will come in handy when he expands hours to 9 p.m. After all, a glass of wine or a refreshing beer are quite welcome in the cool evening hours. For now, though, the store will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
While books in English and Spanish are at the heart of the enterprise, Cronopios has smartly re-conceptualized itself to be more than just a bookstore. Sepulveda said he will also deal antiques and provide internet access through four computer terminals that can be rented for 20 minute-spans. "We have a little bit of everything," said the businessman who secured a loan from the Economic Development Bank to bankroll all the costs attendant the new locale, with the biggest outlay going to pay for the coffee machine, refrigerator and furnishings. The store will employ five people.
"I think people are going to like it," Sepulveda said. He is optimistic that the area he chose for the comeback, one he is familiar with because he resides in it, will help draw the people who patronized Cronopios as well as attract a new public. And he is confident people will enjoy the ambience of the store. "We don't want people to come just to buy and then leave. We want them to stay."
Cronopios is located at 314 De Diego Ave., next door to the Anthony Quintana boutique.
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| Photograph by Denise Blasor |
In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.
Albert Camus
A SIMPLE TIP
There is a practical use for all those unwanted form letters one receives in the mail.
Select papers with a blank side and then cut each one into four pieces for use as note paper next to the phone. Now that is thrifty!
DULY NOTED
Those little screw backs that hold earrings in place are so easy to lose! So if you are looking for replacements, head to Mounts & Gems in old San Juan where you can pick up a package of 5 pairs of lightweight, standard sized, gold screw backs for $1. And if you are into jewelry making, this is a good place to start as it also sells different glass beads and other supplies. The selection is limited but the prices are reasonable. The store is located at 202 Calle San Justo.
Island Basics, also located on San Justo, at #205, is another shop you might like to stop in as it sells the most wonderful face creams. They are made entirely with natural ingredients so that even if you don't miraculously become younger -- the promise held by most beauty products on the marketplace -- at least you will know that you are putting something healthy on your face. The four-ounce bottles of cream retail under $10 and contain ingredients such as shea butter, avocado, jojoba, parcha fruit fragrance, sunflower and castor oils. And such a lovely scent!
Editor's Note
On the prowl for good easy recipes? Check out http://hotcheapeasy.wordpress.com
This website by former San Juan Star staffer Natalia de Cuba Romero offers plenty of recipes to delight family and friends. The writing is fun, the recipes are easy to follow, and the site sparkles with mouth-watering pictures of each featured dish.
Copyright ©2010 Lorraine Blasor All Rights Reserved
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