What I Ate: September 29, 2010 (Bess Bistro)

Dinner: We tried Bess Bistro on Pecan (500 W 6th st, Austin, TX (512) 477-2377) for dinner. The food was good enough that I expect we'll return when we're looking for some pleasant comfort food.

Fried Freen Tomatos served atop a caper and crab salad, garnished with sriracha ($10). Fearing too much sriracha, we asked for ours on the side. Tomatoes had a thick crunchy crust. Worked best when eaten with the crab salad and a dab of sriracha.

Bess Sauteed Mussels PEI mussels sauteed with pancetta in a spiced tomato broth, served with grilled ciabatta ($13). Loads of pancetta, great tasting tomato sauce, and tender, sweet mussels. Recommended.

Shepherd's Pie braised lamb stew topped with mashed potatoes au gratin, served with mixed greens ($12). Instead of ground lamb or beef, there are actual chunks of braised lamb in this hearty Shepherd's Pie. Also very good.

Chef's Choice Gumbo ($15). This was a giant bowl of gumbo - about 10-in in diameter. It was flavorful and spicy, but unfortunately the roux was grainy (which is odd since it tasted like a brick roux - almost chocolate like… roux experts, can you make a brick roux and have it taste grainy and like flour?)

Crispy Artichokes semolina crusted artichokes and fried lemon wheels tossed in Parmesan, served with garlic aioli ($9). Great if you like large amounts of Parmesan cheese.

Haricots Verts ($4). A good sized portion of green bean sauteed with fresh garlic. Ours was quite undercooked.

Lunch: I made crepes and filled them with shredded chicken breast and sauteed baby spinach.

I also made a sweet crepe roll with Nutella for a simple dessert.