This week Portland gained a new bookstore with a decided culinary twist. Rabelais, the brainchild of Samantha and Don Lindgren, brings more than 2,000 out-of-print and roughly 1,000 new and used food-related books to Middle Street, between Hugo’s and the Pepper Club. (Duckfat, Ribolita, Norm’s, Micucci’s Market and Two Fat Cats Bakery are just up the street in this mini-restaurant district.)

Originally from New York, the couple came to Portland for its coastal vibe and foodie heritage. They brought their love of food (Samantha is a trained pastry chef), and Don came with 25 years of experience as a rare book dealer. The decision to open a culinary bookshop came naturally.

“Portland’s a really happening food scene with a lot of national attention,” Samantha said. “And it’s a really affordable place to open a business.”

The store stocks new titles, such as “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” and “The Ethics of What We Eat,” and a full-range of cookbooks, food histories, reference books and criticism. You’ll also find books about wine, beer, farming and gardening.

On the out-of-print side, you can score a 1946 copy of “The Joy of Cooking” for $250 or a 1969 copy of “With Bold Knife & Fork” for $120.

In the future, the store will host book signings, author readings and Slow Food events. A gallery area will showcase photography, prints and local artists.

“We’re really hoping to be a reference for the food lovers of Portland,” Samantha said.

As the store’s tagline says, that’s some great Thought for Food.

Rabelais, located at 86 Middle Street in Portland. Open Wednesday through Sunday, noon-7 p.m. FMI: 774-1044 or www.rabelaisbooks.com.