After a busy week, there are few things better than getting together with friends for a Sunday lunch date and catching up. Except being sincerely pampered by experts at L'Occitane en Provence located in Alpharetta’s Avalon shopping area. With a mimosa in hand, I was treated first to a mini facial with lovely products from the Immortelle collection which contains organic essential oil rich in active molecules that offer unique anti-aging beauty results. Following the facial, I received a luxurious chair massage from Bria Dailey of Dailey Relaxing, Inc. I felt all the troubles of the week melt from my muscles as relaxing melodies played by harpist, Julie Koenig helped clear my mind.
Before leaving for lunch, we were presented with swag bags loaded with treats: Shea butter hand cream, a Divine cream sample and certificates for a free hand massage and mini facial from L’Occitane; an adorable wine glass with a mini cocktail kit of Stirrings margarita mix and a small bottle of tequila; a candle, lavender bath soap and aromatherapy essential oils from Scout & Molly’s with additional coupons; and, and the latest issue of Dining Out Atlanta magazine. We all hated to leave the store, but had a reservation at Butcher & Brew in historic downtown Alpharetta, a short mile from Avalon.
It’s hard to say whether this spot is more brewpub or sports bar, but it indeed is both. With the Spring weather in our favor, we chose to sit at the indoor table with doors wide open onto the patio. The space is rustic and relaxed with wood tables and chairs and an open bar that spans the length of the restaurant. Bowls of spicy popcorn were on the table as we sat and soon after shared plates began to arrive. First there were Pigs in a Blanket made with cheddar wurst sausage, puff pastry and honey mustard, and Fried Cauliflower with goat cheese, tangy Korean BBQ sauce, cilantro and topped with a chicharron.Next came a sampling of their “bowls” which are large and healthy options to a burger or sandwich. The Paleo included sweet potato, spinach, red bell pepper, hard-boiled egg, peanuts, broccolini, crumbled bacon topped with slices of avocado.; and, the Tropical made with couscous, mango, avocado, pickled red onion, black beans, baby kale, feta, and drizzled with a balsamic cherry glaze that made the dish.
We lingered for a bit and continued our chattered before the food coma started to take effect and everyone said their goodbyes before heading home to sneak in naps if possible!
Special thanks to L’Occitane of Avalon, Scout & Molly’s, Stirrings, and Butcher & Brew for a lovely day! While I received complimentary services, gifts and lunch in exchange for this blog post, all content, photos and opinions are my own.