A new favorite

I love trying out new restaurants, but that doesn't happen quite as often as it used to with a toddler in tow. We try to work it in though by visiting during off hours and one place that has been on my radar for awhile now is epicerie. I'd read great things about it through different food blogs and heard about some delicious chocolate chip cookies, and I'm happy to report that it did not disappoint. Peter, Conley and I visited on a Wednesday night before 6 and it wasn't too crowded - which actually can sometimes backfire because then any noise that Conley makes is more noticeable in a quiet restaurant. He managed to make friends with some of the other tables and some of the staff, so we were ok on that front this time. I wish I had taken some pictures of our food but we were both busy entertaining a one year old so that didn't happen - we had the fried green tomatoes and the fried gouda to start and I really enjoyed them both. The tomatoes also included various pickled veggies which I love. Peter had the tri-tip steak with amazing thin crispy fries and aioli  and I had the chicken terrine with squash and potatoes. Both were very good but I might try something different the next visit.

Amazing cookie desserts - I have been thinking an homage to the best cookies in Austin (similar to my NYC reviews) is due soon and epicerie will definitely make the list. Their chocolate chip cookies are like thick mounds of cookie and remind me of my absolute favorite in NYC - Levain Bakery. The shortbread was also delicious - may even be the best I have had ever! I did snap a picture at home of the two cookies along with my nightly dark chocolate chunks - that was a good nightcap! They also have a nice selection of wine and lots of cute little foodie gifts - chocolates, sea salt, maple syrup and so on that I will have to linger over longer when I don't have Conley with me. All of this in the cutest little craftsman-style house with the creaky wood floors that I dream of  - a perfect setting for a nice little neighborhood joint on the fringes of Rosedale. Coincidentally, it's a block away from a house that we had put in an offer on before we bought ours and also next door to one of the preschools Conley is on the list for. We will definitely be back - and epicerie will definitely be added to my weekly rounds to various cookie joints!