What’s better than shopping and eating? Shopping while eating. Two venerable Hampden establishments, breathe books and Ma Petite Shoe, recently added cafés to their repertoire. Breathe books owner Susan Weis-Bohlen has teamed with Don and Renee Gorman, former owners of Puffins Restaurant in Pikesville and current Waverly Market regulars, and Joanne Goshen, former pastry chef of the late, great Louie’s Bookstore Café, to bring vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and Ayurvedic dishes to the store. The menu changes daily, but staples include gluten-free scones and pizzas, vegan soups and bean salads. Ma Petite Shoe has expanded into the space next door to open CHOUX café, which offers a rotating menu featuring kale salad with dates and almonds, onion leek pie and gourmet coffees and teas. Don’t worry—the famous selection of chocolate remains! breathe books: 810 W. 36th St., 410-235-READ; Ma Petite Shoe: 832 W. 36th St., 410-235-3442 —Diana Luehe
