Baileys Almande Almondmilk Liqueur

Baileys Almande Almondmilk Liqueur 
August 2016
around $20

Beautiful bottle of Baileys Almande Almondmilk liqueur

I was in Argonaut Wine and Liquor in Denver - if it's out there, Argonaut's has it- when I happened upon this new product.

Isn't the bottle pretty?  That is sincerely what drew my attention to it.

Then I noticed "ALMONDMILK" on the label and was excited because I gave up dairy two years ago because of a sensitivity. (Dairy gives me migraines.  Anyone else?)  Poor me.  I have been Baileys-free in my coffee for two years!  

This could change everything.

According to the label and ingredients list, this product contains no dairy and is gluten-free.  I'm not gluten-free, but I'm sure this makes it even better for me.  So, I bought it.

I went home and immediately made coffee and poured in my new Baileys Almande Liqueur. (What else would you have me do??)

Coffee with Baileys Almande Almondmilk liqueur in it.  No, it's not miso soup.

Hmmm.  Miso soup isn't what I was in the mood for, but I haven't had Baileys in my coffee in over two years (did I mention that?) so I'm game.  

BTW, the website does say it's best enjoyed chilled.  Maybe this is why.

Once stirred, it looks a lot more enticing.

Stirring helps.  Until it settles.  So drink up while it's still mixed ;)  Just kidding.  Re-stir  if the visual matters to you.  And it does matter, until it doesn't.  It's only 13% alcohol, so it won't matter unless you add whiskey like I do :)  The good news is that stirring affects the visual but not the taste. And the taste is good.

Since I haven't had Baileys Irish Cream in a couple of years, I can't give a good comparison of it to this new almond version.  As far as my memory holds, though, I actually prefer the taste of this one.  It is less thick as the original and less sweet, both of which are good things in my book.

It was juuuuuust right without the syrupy-sweet heaviness of the original.

I will certainly buy this product again.

It may be difficult to find right now.  Searching on the Baileys Almande website for locations that sell it, I can't even find a place in Denver, Colorado, which is where I purchased the liqueur.  I expect that will change soon, though.

I'm curious to know what you guys think about Baileys Almande Liqueur.  Have you tried it?  Would you drink it even if you aren't dairy or gluten free?  Also, what other products do I need to try in this vein? I'd love to hear from you!

As always, I appreciate you for reading my blog.

~ The Pampered Wife

Del Frisco's Grille, Atlanta

Del Frisco's Grille, Atlanta 

August 2016

I was staying at the Mandarin Oriental Atlanta (see my review here) and needed something to eat outside of the hotel. (You'll know why if you read that review.)  Luckily, this restaurant shares the circular driveway with the hotel, so it was an easy transition.

This is the view from Del Frisco's Grille looking at the Mandarin Oriental and the shared circular drive.

Turns out, this is a great spot in Buckhead to meet up for a drink or bite to eat. (I did both :) 

Del Frisco's sits on Peachtree Street in front of the Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta, as I mentioned.  Bonus, it has valet parking at a much lower price than at the hotel.  This came in handy when my sister met me for the day.  We'd just pop over to Del Frisco's for a drink, she'd park here instead of the hotel, and she'd save about $15 by parking here instead of at the hotel.

I've been to the Del Frisco's Grille in Denver and was disappointed in the food.  To be fair, I went during opening week.  I'm guessing all restaurants have bumps in the beginning, but my meal at Denver's Del Frisco's was bad enough that I haven't been back.  

Thankfully, the food here was good.

I liked Del Frisco's Grille, Atlanta, and went back several times over the 3 days I stayed across the driveway from it.  

Steak salad while seated at the bar.

I had a steak salad, the Grab a Pair with a 1/2 chicken and avocado wrap and Caesar  salad, and fish tacos.  There is a nice variety of menu items offered and more things I would have loved to try but I ran out time and meals.  Everything was good.  I don't know that anything was fantastic, but it was better than just 'solid'.  

At this point, I'll pause to tell you I am more of an "atmosphere" reviewer than a "food" reviewer.  While I do enjoy eating, I can't decipher the flavors and textures and verbalize the experience for you. (My husband is excellent at that. I've tried to convince him to write restaurant/food reviews but he has a real job that takes up too much of his time already ;) Instead, I can tell you what appeals to me about a place and why I would likely return or not.

That said, the food must be pretty good because Del Frisco's won Jezebel – 2014 - Top Restaurants in Atlanta.

However, I especially liked the bar at this place.  There's a reason it won Wine Spectator – 2014 - Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.  Also, there is a wide selection of liquor, and the bar tender was friendly. 

Sitting at the bar, looking at some of the wine.

I'm sorry I didn't photograph my drinks or keep track of them so I could share, but I assure you that all of my and my husband's mixed drinks (my sis drank wine) were good.

My favorite thing about Del Frisco's Grille, Atlanta was the decor and vibe (prior to 7pm).  I didn't get there at night but I anticipate it is quite the scene for Wanna-be-Seens.  

The restaurant is decorated in a traditional-turned-Asian flare style with dark wood and red accent lighting.  Odd but it works.

Looking across the bar.

Seated at the bar, looking up.

Literal bar in front of the bar.

The only criticism I have from sitting at the bar is that there is a literal bar several inches in front of the counter that made it difficult to eat over my plate instead of my lap.  What is that about, anyway?  There must be a good reason for the bar but I am not aware of it.

There is a rooftop deck which is awesome - I love outdoor dining, especially when it is removed from the busy street - and a second floor where I think they hold private events.  

Del Frisco's Grille, Atlanta really is a fun, happening place with good food and a great bar selection.  You should check it out if you're in the area!  Do you agree?  I'd love to hear from you and read any comments you have.  

Thank you so much for reading my blog.

~The Pampered Wife