l'epicerie

I am absolutely head over heels sometimes, and I am not too prone to falling. But perhaps more accurately, I adore so many delicious things; and then I fall in love. And luckily for me, and all Calgarians (but I am being completely selfish at the moment), l'Epicerie caters to my every whim. Yes, yes, Jeff's too. I have to admit that when I moved back to Calgary, from New Haven three years ago, I was constantly saddened by the lack of variety and quality of food. Never mind the incredibly cold weather in April, but there weren't even tomatoes that ever tasted like tomatoes, even in the summer. It was sad. I didn't even realize that living in New Haven, I became absolutely spoiled rotten. I finally feel that Calgary's world of food is starting to keep pace with the number of people who live here, over one million. I dare say that these are one million well-informed, and likely well-traveled citizens. So some change is inevitable. Now I can feel as though I can go to France, through the world of food. Not the world of high-end Michelin France, but the simpler stuff. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that the food and groceries of l'Epicerie are unrefined, but of a slightly more rustic feel. Slight. l'Epicerie is the brainchild, and darling baby of Dominque Moussu, the former executive-chef at Calgary's esteemed Teatro. He owns and operates it absolutely lovingly. The shop is quite cute, with all kinds of rare and unusual products, like green apple paste (I still don't know what I want to do with this!), fine sea salts, and products for the French-food connoisseur. But mostly I go to l'Epicerie for the food. The prepared foods. Accurately renamed the salivation department, and I just can't help it. Dominique is always giving a little bite of this, and a little bite of that. And soon Jeff and I are taking the entire store for dinner, with a scrumptious macaron for dessert. Foie gras terrine? Yes. Cheese terrine? Yes. Cornichons? Definitely. And so it goes. The main shelves of the adorably addictive shop. Then one day, Jeff and I went for more than just shopping; but for lunch too. Or perhaps it was a snack. On the side of the plate was this gorgeous butter lettuce, with my favourite barral olives. It also had shockingly good olive oil, and a little bit of sea salt. Then there were my favourite little cornichons..... But this, as they say is the pièce de résistance. Le croque-monsieur. And it puts all others to shame. It is so ridiculously rich, sweet, salty, buttery, and then the cycle starts again. And again. Until, it is all over. Then I count down the days until the next beautiful sandwiche comes my way again. The outside of the sandwich is crispy and toasty. The bread hints of butter, but most noticeable is the bubbly cheese. But really, the goal is to get to the middle, to the absolute best bite. The middle of the sandwich is irresistible, where you can truly discover how the sweetness of the ham pairs with the creamiest mornay sauce. Oh how it lingers. On another day, the salade came with this rich, flakey, and fantastically flavourful onion tart. I can't help but to love the chalkboard with the list of sandwiches. Jeff has even had the willpower to have sandwiches other than the croque. Although, I seriously do not know how! The sandwiches Jeff has ordered were all top-notch; it was very honourable of him to sacrifice himself in the name of food...especially since I have difficulty sharing the croque-monsieur. There are soups too, which I have yet to try. Although, knowing the ingredients from the sandwiches from our purchases for home; they all have to be good. But I am in love with the croque-monsieur; it is perfection in every bite. Another shot of the display cases, where Dominique will ply unsuspecting customers with the most delicious foods imagineable. Haven't been to l'Epicerie yet? What are you waiting for?! l'Epicerie 1325 1 Street SE Calgary, AB T2G 5L1 (403) 514-0555 (sandwiched between Manuel Latruwe, and Bernard Callebaut)