NaturAlmond Almond Butter is the brainchild of Atlanta entrepreneur Jaime Foster, who couldn't find a store-bought substitute for the nutritious and tasty almond butter that her grandfather used to make. Using only almonds and sea salt, Jaime set out to re-create her grandfather's finely-honed recipe.
Jaime was kind enough to give us a sneak-peek of her creation. I'd not tasted almond butter before and was pleasantly surprised by its rich flavor with a hint of saltiness. Lo and behold, it turns out that its not only completely natural, but it also contains more nutrients than peanut butter.
NaturAlmond should be available soon at specialty food stores in the Atlanta area. Check out their website or facebook page for more information.
My little brother has the travel bug just like me, so he was kind enough to offer up the second installment of Travel Dining Itineraries from his recent trip to San Francisco:
House of Prime Rib - Nob Hill - Traditional steakhouse featuring several decadent sides such as Yorkshire pudding in addition to, you guessed it, prime rib served in a variety of cuts to suit your appetite.
Swan Oyster Depot - Nob Hill - Enjoy fresh seafood and a pint of Anchor Steam served counter-side by a friendly waitstaff. Open for lunch only. Come early or late to avoid the line. If you're uncertain about what to order, ask for a sampling of today's oysters.
La Taqueria - Mission - Tacos and burritos made to order with fresh ingredients. The carnitas taco is a can't miss.
Blue Bottle Coffee - Locals love this organic, drip-style coffee. Multiple locations throughout town.
AT&T Park - SOMA - If the Giants are in town, enjoy a baseball game in this beautiful park with scenic views of the bay. Gilroy garlic fries and a beer are a requirement. Visit 21st Amendment Brewery before or after the game for quality craft beer. If you're feeling secure in your masculinity and it's summertime, try the Hell or High Watermelon Wheat Beer.
Tony's Pizza Napolenta - North Beach/Telegraph Hill - Award-winning pizza served in a variety of styles, including New York, Sicilian, Roman and Detroit (whatever that means). Don't get me wrong, it's really good. But, for ambiance and fantastic, fresh tasting pizza. my vote is for Antico.
Bourbon and Branch - Civic Center/Tenderloin - Prohibition-style speakeasy featuring an impressive array of top notch cocktails served by talented mixologists.
Wilson & Wilson - Civic Center/Tenderloin - Inside Bourbon and Branch, this bar within a bar offers an even more intimate experience and just as creative cocktails.
Russell's Room @ Bourbon and Branch - Civic Center/Tenderloin - Another exclusive bar hidden behind a bookcase. Lindsey interjection: Ooh...also the site of the recent Bachelor episode - site of Lindzi and Ben's speakeasy date.
Rickhouse - Financial District - Same comments as B&B, but different neighborhood and no secret lounges to my knowledge.
R&G Lounge - Chinatown - This Chinese restaurant is always packed and receives quite a bit of press, but a lack of customer service, high prices and overrated food make it a place you CAN miss during your visit to SF. The signature dish, Salt & Pepper Crab, was pricey, messy and unsatisfying.
Saigon Sandwich - Civic Center/Tenderloin - Known for its banh mi, a ubiquitous street food in Vietnam, this small shop found in the most dicey of neighborhoods is worth the life risking walk if you are a fan of these sandwiches. However, I've had better at Lee's Bakery on Buford Highway, so maybe it's not worth it. Make that two points for Atlanta.
You know you're having a bad day when finding out that your favorite lunch special has sold out (at 12:45 no less!) makes you cry.
Yep, I am so totally crankypants that there was weeping and no small amount of swearing after that little lunchtime disappointment (never fear, I did not do either in public). So I figure I need some cheering up. Here is a list of things that make me happy.
Bibimbap
Missing out on this Korean treat was the straw that broke the camel's back today. It's that good. Here's a pretty legit recipe but it looks way too labor intensive. I'd rather go to Buford Hwy for all that effort. This simple one makes me even happier.
NaturAlmond Almond Butter is the brainchild of Atlanta entrepreneur Jaime Foster, who couldn't find a store-bought substitute for the nutritious and tasty almond butter that her grandfather used to make. Using only almonds and sea salt, Jaime set out to re-create her grandfather's finely-honed recipe. 
